Characteristics of Depression

Question 1

What is Depression?

Answer 1

-Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
-Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Question 2

What are the cognitive characteristics of Depression?

Answer 2

-Negative views of themselves, the world, their relationships and the future. These views are irrational and do not reflect reality.

-Difficulties in concentrating - such as slowed thinking and indecisiveness.

-Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Question 3

What are the emotional characteristics of Depression?

Answer 3

• Sad, depressed mood.
• Losing interest and pleasure in their usual activities.
  -Negative self-concept, feelings of worthlessness and guilt.

Question 4

What are the Behavioural characteristics of Depression?

Answer 4

1. Change in activity level - becoming either lethargic or agitated. For instance, a loss of energy (lethargic),
   great fatigue. Alternatively, they may become distressed and uptight (agitated) and walk about
   anxiously.
2. Change in sleep levels – some patients may have difficulties in sleeping (insomnia), although some
   conversely show a desire to sleep all the time (hypersomnia).
3. Change in appetite - poor appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain.