6 - Depression and Suicide

Question 1

Major depressive disorder:
Diagnosis consists of five or more of following symptoms, present for at least 2 weeks, causing distress and/or impairment in daily functioning; must include (1) or (2):

Answer 1

1. Depressed/low mood
2. Loss of interest or pleasure
3. Significant change or loss of >5% body weight, or decrease/increase appetite nearly every day
4. Sleep disturbance
5. Agitation or feelings of being slowed down
6. Loss of energy or feeling fatigued virtually everyday
7. Feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, tendency to feel guilty
8. Difficulties in thinking or concentrating
9. Thoughts of ending life

Question 2

Persistent depressive disorder:

Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years. Two or more of the following symptoms:

Answer 2

Poor appetite or overeating
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Low energy or fatigue
Low self-esteem
Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
Feelings of hopelessness

Never been without symptoms for more than 2 months at a time
Intermittent normal mood occur briefly
Average duration up to 4-5 years

Question 3

What factors are relevant in the cognitive behavioural understanding of depression?

Answer 3

Developmental factors
Maintenance factors
Risk factors

Question 4

What are the developmental factors in depression?

Answer 4

Early/significant life experiences
Dysfunctional core beliefs and unhelpful rules for living
Cognitive depression triad (negative thoughts about self, world, future)

Question 5

What are examples of maintenance factors in depression?

Answer 5

Rumination
Social withdrawal and isolation
Self-blame
Inactivity, abandonment of pleasurable tasks

Question 6

What are examples of risk factors in depression?

Answer 6

Self-neglect
Suicidal conditions, plans and attempts
Hopelessness and helplessness