Characteristics of Depression

Question 1

what type of disorder is depression

Answer 1

mood disorder

Question 2

Depression can occur in cycles,

Answer 2

with an episode of depression generally lasting 2-6 months.

Question 3

Depression is divisible into two main types:

Answer 3

unipolar depression
bipolar depression

Question 4

Unipolar Depression
Major Depression

Answer 4

Occurs without mania - sufferers only experience depression
Diagnosis of unipolar depression: at least 5 symptoms must occur every day for 2 weeks, with an impairment in general functioning, not accountable for by other medical conditions/events i.e. mourning a loved one.
1 of the 5 symptoms must be a constant depressed mood or lessened interest and pleasure in daily activities.

Question 5

Emotional Characteristics of Depression

Answer 5

Constant Lowered (depressed) Mood:
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness/hopelessness.
- Individuals may also feel worthless, ‘empty’ and have reduced self-esteem, with some experiencing feelings of self-loathing.

Anger:
- (Extreme) anger directed at the self or others.
- On occasion such emotions lead to aggressive or self-harming behaviour.

Question 6

Behavioural Characteristics of Depression

Answer 6

Change in activity levels:
Increased lethargy (lack of energy)/withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed (anhedonia);
Neglecting personal hygiene – reduced incidence of washing, wearing clean clothes, etc.

Disruption to sleep:
Sleep may reduce (insomnia) or increase (hypersomnia).

Disruption to eating behaviour:
Increased or decreased eating;
Weight gain or loss.

Aggressive acts:
Towards others or oneself (e.g. self-harm).

Question 7

Cognitive Characteristics of Depression

Answer 7

Focusing on the negative aspects of a situation:
Paying more attention to negative aspects of a situation and ignoring the positives;
Negative self concept (negative self-beliefs);
A negative view of the world;
Negative expectations i.e. expecting things to turn out badly.

Reduced concentration:
- Difficulty in paying/maintaining attention &/or slowed down thinking & indecisiveness.

Recurrent thoughts of self-harm, death or suicide

Question 8

Unipolar Depression: Prevalence

Answer 8

About 20% of people will experience some form of depression.
The average age of onset is the late twenties, but it can begin any time from adolescence onwards.

Question 9

Women are twice as vulnerable as men:

Answer 9

Up to 25% of women will suffer from unipolar depression
Up to 12% of men will suffer from unipolar depression

Question 10

globally how many people suffer from depression

Answer 10

Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression.