1.2.1 Diagnostic criteria for mood (affective) disorders

Question 1

What is depression?

Depression

Answer 1

A mood (affective) disorder.

This mental illness is a collection of physical, emotional, mental and behavioural experiences that are severe, prolonged and damaging to everyday functioning.

Question 1

What is depression?

What is the first episode of depression usually like?

Which gender is more likely to experience depression?

Answer 1

The first episode of depression is usually manic, not depressive.

It occurs equally in both genders.

Question 2

DSM-5 criteria for depression

According to the DSM-5, to receive a diagnosis of depression, what must the symptoms be causing the individual?

Answer 2

Symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress of impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.

Question 3

DSM-5 criteria for depression

Examples of symptoms listed in the DSM-5

Answer 3

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday.
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly everyday.
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, indecisiveness, nearly everyday.

Question 4

DSM-5 criteria for depression

How many symptoms must someone be experiencing to be diagnosed?

For how long?

Answer 4

The individual must be experiencing 5 or more symptoms during the same 2-week period.

Question 5

DSM-5 criteria for depression

Strengths of DSM/ICD

Answer 5

• Objective = guidelines give a precise outline of the mood disorder and its symptoms.
• Useful = can be used to diagnose patients based on their symptoms.
• Valid = created by experts and regularly updated.

Question 6

What is unipolar depression?

Unipolar depression

Answer 6

An (affective) mood disorder, characterised by sadness and withdrawal.

It can range from mild to very severe, and can even result in suicide.

Consists of one or more episodes of moderate to severe depression with persistent depressed mood and other symptoms of depression.

Question 7

Symptoms of depression

4 main categories of symptoms

Answer 7

• Somatic (physical)
• Cognitive
• Behavioural
• Emotional

Question 8

Symptoms of depression

Somatic symptoms

Answer 8

• Moving/speaking more slowly than usual.
• Changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, sometimes increased).
• Disturbed sleep/insomnia.
• Unexplained aches/pains.
• Lack of energy.

Question 9

Symptoms of depression

Emotional symptoms

Answer 9

• Crying all the time.
• Continuous low mood.
• Feeling anxious/worried.
• Suicidal thoughts or of harming oneself.

Question 10

Symptoms of depression

Behavioural symptoms

Answer 10

• Avoiding contact with friends/taking part in fewer social activities.
• Neglecting hobbies/interests.
• Having difficulties in your home, work or family life.

Question 11

Symptoms of depression

Cognitive symptoms

Answer 11

• Feeling hopeless/helpless.
• Low self-esteem.
• Guilt-ridden.
• Irritable and intolerable of others.
• No motivation or interest in things.
• Finding it hard to make decisions.

Question 12

Diagnosing depression

Types of unipolar depression

Answer 12

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Dysthymic disorder

Question 13

Diagnosing depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Answer 13

Severe but usually short-lived depressive episode, can include psychotic symptoms.

Question 14

Diagnosing depression

Dysthymic disorder

Answer 14

Less severe, but usually chronic (very long-lasting).

Low mood must last at least 3 years to be diagnosed.

Question 15

Bipolar disorder

Other name for bipolar disorder

Answer 15

Manic depression.

Question 16

Bipolar disorder

Types of bipolar disorder

Answer 16

• Type 1
• Type 2

Question 17

Bipolar disorder

Type 1 bipolar disorder

Answer 17

Occurrence of at least one manic or mixed episode.

Question 18

Bipolar disorder

Type 2 bipolar disorder

Answer 18

Occurence of one or more hypomanic episodes and at least one depressive episode.

Question 19

Bipolar disorder

Manic episode

Answer 19

Lasts a least a week and is characterised as an extreme mood- euphoric but also irritable.

Question 20

Bipolar disorder

Depressive episode

Answer 20

Lasts at least 2 weeks and involves a depressive mood or lack of interest in everyday activities nearly everday.

Question 21

Bipolar disorder

Hypomanic episode

Answer 21

A less extreme version of a manic episode, involves several days of elevated mood or increased irritability (and high energy levels).

Can involve increased talkativeness/impulsivity.

Question 22

Beck depression inventory (BDI) - Measures of depression

Beck depression inventory (BDI)

Answer 22

21-point, self-report questionnaire to assess attiudes and symptoms.

Each items has 4+ statements and the person chooses the one that best fits over the last 1/2 weeks, depending on the version.

Higher the score, the more severe the depression.

Question 23

Beck depression inventory (BDI)

What do the items on the BDI relate to?

Answer 23

Known symptoms of depression, such as feeling of guilt, hopelessness and physiological symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss.

Question 24

Beck depression inventory (BDI)

Using the BDI, what is classes as mild depression vs severe?

Answer 24

10 = minimum for mild depression.

30+ = for severe depression.

Question 25

Beck depression inventory (BDI)

Strengths

Answer 25

• Reliable/valid = accurate and consistent in diagnosing severity of depression.
• Quantitative/objective.
• Useful = can show progress in treatment over-time.
• RWA.

Question 26

Beck depression inventory (BDI)

Criticisms

Answer 26

• Lacks qualitative detail = less quantitative/structured clinical interview might uncover more info.
• Subjectivity = lowers validity because of social desirability bias of self-reports.