depression

Question 1

what is depression?

Answer 1

a mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels

it is a CHANGE in behaviour and mood levels

Question 2

what are the DSM-5 categories of depression(4)?

Answer 2

1. major depressive disorder; severe but short term
2. persistent depressive disorder; long-term or recurring over 2 years
3. disruptive mood dysregulation disorder; severely impacts daily life, childhood temper tantrums beyond the age where they are normalised
4. pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder; change in mood during/ before menstruation

Question 3

what are the behavioural characteristics of depression?

Answer 3

1. ACTIVITY LEVELS- psychomotor agitation (worked up in movement- fidgeting, pacing, tapping foot, struggle to relax) and lack of energy (lack of exercise, poor hygiene, poor social interaction)
2. SLEEP - sleep more and still feel tired, struggle to sleep, struggle to stay asleep
3. EATING BEHAVIOUR- eating more for comfort, not eating at all
4. AGGRESSION AND SELD HARM- verbal and/or physical, can lead to social isolation

Question 4

what are the emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 4

1. LOWERED MOOD- more than just feeling sad, feeling empty, extreme low mood

2.ANGER- feeling which leads to self harm/ aggression

3. LOWERED SELF ESTEEM - can lead to self-loathing

Question 5

what are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 5

1. POOR CONCENTRATION- inability to focus and stay on task, decision making difficult
2. ATTENDING TO THE NEGATIVE- focusing on negative, bias
3. ABSOLUTIST THINKING- black and white thinking, something is never just okay, its always bad, catastrophising (everything worse than it actually is)