Depression Flashcards
What is depression?
According to the DSM 5, it means to feel a prolonged sadness for more than 2 weeks. It is commonly associated with loneliness and negative thinking, not participating in activities you used to enjoy, and hopelessness
What are the symptoms of depression according to the DSM 5?
- You have a depressed mood most of the day
- Loss of interest/pleasure
- Large increases/decreases in appetite
- Insomnia/excessive sleeping
- Restlessness
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive/inappropriate guilt
- Diminished ability to concentrate, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
How can one be diagnosed as having a major depressive episode?
You need to have at least 5 of the symptoms for a two week period, and at least one of the first two symptoms must be present.
Note: can’t be diagnosed within 6 months of suffering bereavement, and depression must affect various areas in life.
How common is depression?
10-25% of women and 5-12% of men are diagnosed with it.
What are the common stressors of depression?
Trauma, societal pressures, environmental factors. Also, negative experiences such as personal, financial, and medical problems for which the fight-or-flight response is ineffective.
What is dysthymia?
It has similar symptoms of depression, but lasts at least 2 years. People are described as atypical, catatonic, and melancholic.
What are the neural/genetic factors for depression?
Rat studies have shown that if a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with depression, it is 1.5-3x more common to be diagnosed with it yourself.
What is a coping mechanism?
A coping mechanism is whatever a person does to handle a stressor in their environment, and can be made up of elements of thinking, feeling, and behavior. With major depressive disorder, the coping mechanism started out as helpful, but becomes unhelpful.
What maintains depression?
- Ruminating on the problem without finding a solution.
- Distorted thoughts and beliefs.
- Negative thinking.
- Withdrawal and inaction.
How common is depression in adolescence?
Adolescents are at a higher risk of depression because they are trying to find autonomy and individualize, but need strong social support.
How is depression expressed in adolescence?
More behaviorally, through acts of rebellion. It impairs social, emotional, and academic development, which can increase risk of drop out, teen pregnancy, and bad relationships
What are the risks associated with depression?
- Suicide
2. Drug and alcohol problems
What are some ways to bring balance back to life for those who are depressed?
- Regulate eating/sleeping/exercise/rest
- Encourage social contact
- Engage them with pleasant activities
- Involve them in tasks/projects that matter
- Stop the rumination - difficult, but challenge negative thoughts with neutral thoughts
What are some biological treatments for depression?
- SSRIS (selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Paxil, etc.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which involves a brief electrical current to the brain
What are some psychological treatments for depression?
CBT - addresses cognitive errors in thinking and aims to develop a more neutral realistic view, NOT positive thinking; also addresses behavioral activation. You need a trained clinical psychologist in order to do this.
