Depression

Question 1

What is the depression criteria?

Answer 1

Five or more of the following symptoms over the same 2 week period and represent a change in functioning. At least one of the symptoms is either depressed mood or loss of interest of pleasure.

-Depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday
-Markedly diminished interest or pleasure
-Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or gain, or decrease/ increase in appetite
-Insomnia or hypersomnia
-Psychomotor agitation or retardation
-Fatigue or loss of energy
-Feeling worthless or inappropriate guilt
-Lack of concentration and/ or indecisiveness
-Recurrent thoughts of death or recurrent suicidal ideation
-ALSO; the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment and are not attributable to substance use or medical condition

Question 2

Family history of depression

Answer 2

Depression can run in families and some people will be at an increased genetic risk. However, having a parent or close relative with depression doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have the same experience

Question 3

Personality depression

Answer 3

Some people may be more at risk of depression because of their personality, particularly if they have a tendency to worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are self-critical and negative.

Question 4

Serious medical illness in relation to depression

Answer 4

The stress and worry of coping with a serious illness can lead to depression, especially if you’re dealing with long-term management and/or chronic pain.

Question 5

Drug and alcohol use in relation to depression

Answer 5

Drug and alcohol use can both lead to and result from depression. Many people with depression also have drug and alcohol problems.