5 Flashcards
Behaviour indicators of depression
Not going out anymore Not getting things done at work/school Withdrawing from close family and friends Relying on alcohol and sedatives Not doing usual enjoyable activities Unable to concentrate
Depression
High prevalence disorder - 3 mil people living with depression or anxiety
Many people don’t seek treatment
Feelings associated with depression
Overwhelmed Guilty Irritable Frustrated Lacking in confidence Unhappy Indecisive Disappointed Miserable Sad
Thoughts associated with depression
I'm a failure. It's my fault. Nothing good ever happens to me. I'm worthless. Life's not worth living. People would be better off without me.
Physical indicators of depression
Tired all the time Sick and run down Headaches and muscle pains Churning gut Sleep problems Loss or change of appetite Significant weight loss or gain
Signs and symptoms
For more than 2 weeks they have a significantly lowered mood, or loss of interest and pleasure in things they usually would have enjoyed and…
Markedly depressed mood #
Loss of interest or enjoyment *
Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or gain
Sleep disturbance or oversleeping
Psychomotor agitation or retardation e.g. Moving slower or experiencing involuntary movements.
Fatigue or low energy
Feeling worthless and guilty
Reduced concentration, indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of self harm, death or plan/attempt
5 or more in same 2 week period nearly every day including # or *
Biological factors leading to depression
Genetics Medical illness Brain injury Medications Alcohol use/misuse
Personality factors leading to depression
Worrier Feeling inadequate Low self-esteem Perfectionist Negative, self critical
Interpersonal factors leading to depression
Conflict in family, at work, with friends
Recurring interpersonal difficulties
Isolation
Precipitants/events leading to depression
Losses Change Stress Pregnancy/childbirth Illness Financial issues Accommodation issues
Types of depressive disorders
Major depressive disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Post-partum or postnatal depression
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
What helps
Exercise
Increasing social connectedness and doing more
Psychological therapy e.g. Interpersonal Therapy (IT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Medication (SSRI, SNRI, Tricyclics)
Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
Ways to help
Assist with providing accurate information
Normalise and demistify
Listen and don’t judge or try to jolly them up
Encourage exercise
Encourage social events and pleasant activities
Refer to appropriate health professionals
Accompany them for moral support if appropriate
What not to do
Suggesting they get over it or just try to be positive
Saying it could be a lot worse
Saying that it will go away by itself or in time
Suggesting the person parties more, gets drunk, takes or smokes something to feel better
Avoiding the person because you don’t know what to say
Anxiety
Excessive and persistent over time; can be highly disturbing, distressing and debilitating, and can lead to avoidance, substance misuse, social isolation, poor educational outcomes
Most common mental health problem - more in females
Often coexists with depression, substance abuse and eating disorders
