Psychology: Depression

Question 1

What is depression?

Answer 1

A mental disorder characterized by a low mood and low energy levels
IT IS A CHANGE IN BEHAVIOUR AND MOOD LEVELS

Question 2

What are the 4 DSM-5 categories of depression?

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: childhood temper tantrums
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: change in mood during/before menstruation

Question 3

What are the Behavioural (how we act) Characteristics of Depression?

Answer 3

1. Activity levels
   - psychomotor agitation ~ unable clam down, fidgeting, unable to relax
   - lack of energy ~ less chatty, only able to do small tasks, not able to carry out day to day tasks
2. Sleep - Struggle to fall asleep, struggle to stay asleep, feel tired when having lots of sleep
3. Eating behaviour - loss of appetite, eat to excess
4. Aggression & Self-harm - lead to social isolation, trouble in school / job, involvement in criminal justice system

Question 4

What are the Emotional (how we feel) Characteristics of Depression?

Answer 4

1. Lowered mood - empty / hollow (can effect activity levels ~ psychomotor agitation, lack of energy ~)
2. Anger - self / other ( can lead to aggression & Self-harm)
3. Lowered self-esteem - how much we like ourselves, self-loading ~ dislike of self ~

Question 5

What are the Cognitive (how we think) Characteristics of Depression?

Answer 5

1. Poor Concentration - inability to focus / stick to a task, difficulty of making a decision
2. Attending to the negative - bias - current events + memories (leading to Absolutist thinking)
3. Absolutist Thinking - black and white thinking, catastrophizing (leading to lowered mood)