6. Depression AO1

Question 1

What are the two behavioural characteristics of depression?

Answer 1

Activity levels and disruption to sleep/eating behaviour

Question 2

Explain activity levels

Answer 2

Sufferers of depression have reduced levels of energy making them lethargic, this could be so severe that the sufferer cannot get out of bed

Question 3

Explain disruption to sleep and eating behaviour

Answer 3

Sufferers may experience reduced sleep or increased need for sleep and appetite may increase or decrease leading to weight gain or loss.

Question 4

What are the two cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 4

Poor concentration and absolutist thinking

Question 5

Explain poor concentration

Answer 5

Sufferers may find themselves unable to stick with a task as they usually would, or they might find simple decision making difficult

Question 6

Explain absolute thinking

Answer 6

‘Black and white thinking’ when a situation is unfortunate it is seen as an absolute disaster

Question 7

What are the two emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 7

Lowered mood and anger

Question 8

Explain lowered mood

Answer 8

More pronounced that the daily experience of feeling lethargic or sad, sufferers often themselves as worthless or empty

Question 9

Explain anger

Answer 9

On occasion, such emotions lead to aggression or self harming behaviour