Depression

Question 1

What is depression?

Answer 1

A mood disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in formerly enjoyed 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

Explain three behavioural characteristics of depression.

Answer 4

1. Shift in activity level (either reduced displayed as lethargy, or increased in the form of psychomotor agitation)
2. Disruption to sleep and eating patterns (reduced sleep - insomnia or increased sleep - hypersomnia, appetite and weight may increase or decrease)
3. Aggression and self-harm (verbal or physical aggression)

Question 5

Explain three emotional characteristics of depression.

Answer 5

1. Low mood (sadness, worthlessness and lack of pleasure in normal activities)
2. Anger (directed at self or others)
3. Lowered self-esteem (self-loathing or hatred)

Question 6

State three cognitive characteristics of depression.

Answer 6

1. Poor concentration
2. Negative schema (bias towards recalling unhappy memories and always expecting things to turn out badly)
3. ‘Black and white’ thinking (all good or all bad. When something unfortunate happens, it is seen as a disaster)