Depression

Question 1

What is depression

Answer 1

A mood disorder where an individual feels sad and lacks interest in their usual activities

Question 2

What are the two major diagnostic criteria for depression

Answer 2

1. Extreme feelings of persistent sadness
2. Loss of pleasure in normal activities

Question 3

List and outline the four categories of depression recognised by the DSM-5

Answer 3

1. Major depressive disorder- severe but often short-term depression
2. Persistent depressive disorder- long-term or recurring depression
3. Disrupted mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)- childhood temper tantrums and chronic irritability
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)- disruption to mood prior to and/or during menstruation

Question 4

State three behavioural characteristics of depression

Answer 4

1. Shift in activity level
2. Disruption to sleep and eating patterns
3. Aggression and self-harm

Question 5

State three emotional characteristics of depression

Answer 5

1. Low mood
2. Anger
3. Lowered self-esteem

Question 6

State three cognitive characteristics of depression

Answer 6

1. Poor concentration
2. Negative schema
3. ‘Black and white’ thinking

Question 7

Expecting things to turn out badly due to focusing on negative aspects of situation rather than positive is an example of which characteristic of depression

Answer 7

Negative schema

Question 8

Explain how a person’s activity level can change if they have depression

Answer 8

• become lethargic= reduced energy levels
• experience psychomotor= increased energy levels (person is irritable and unable to relax)

Question 9

Explain how a persons sleeping pattern can change if they have depression

Answer 9

• insomnia= reduced sleep by making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep
• hypersomnia= increased need to sleep/excessive sleepiness