Depression

Question 1

Define depression

Answer 1

disorders that influence mood regulation beyond the usual variations between sadness and happiness/excitement

Question 2

What are the varieties in depression definitions? (4)

Answer 2

1. Major Depressive Disorder – depressed mood, loss of interest of pleasure
2. Bipolar Disorder – manic episode, or mixed periods of mania and depression
3. Dysthmia – chronic form of depression
4. Cyclothymia – manic and depressive states, but not as intense as bipolar or major depression

Question 3

What are the symptoms of depression? (10)

Answer 3

1. Feelings of sadness/elation
2. Feelings of guilt/worthlessness
3. Disturbances in appetite
4. Disturbances in sleep patterns
5. Lack of Energy
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Loss of interest in all/most activities
8. Memory Problems
9. Thoughts of Suicide
10. Hallucinations

Question 4

What is the prevalence of Depression?

Answer 4

– 5.4% of canadians 15+ reported symptoms characteristics of mood disorders
– 4.7% major depression
– 1.5% bipolar disorder`

Question 5

Measurements of Depression

Answer 5

Standard classification criteria

Self-reporting measures
– Beck depression inventory
– Zung self-rating depression scale

Question 6

What has research shown in regards to the connection between exercise and depression? (5)

Answer 6

1. Connection between lack of physical activity and prevalence of mental health problems
2. Less active individuals are at greater risk of depression
3. Regular PA offers a defense against or reduces the risk of depressive symptoms
4. Exercise resulted in decreased depression, moderated by various treatment effects
5. As effective as, and sometimes more effective than, traditional therapy

Question 7

What are the moderating factors associated with reducing depression with exercise?

Answer 7

1. Mode – doesn’t matter
2. Intervention length > 10 weeks
   – some changes after 5 weeks
3. Frequency – 3 - 5 x / wk
4. Intensity
   – Aerobic – 50 - 85% of MHR
   – Intensity – increased intensity
5. Duration –60 min

Question 8

Consensus Statements on Exercise and Depression

Answer 8

– PAhas protective benefits against symptoms of depression
– Protective effects increase with greater levels of PA
– Exercise can be associated wit ha decreased level of mild to moderate depression
– Exercise may be an adjunct to the professional treatment of severe depression
– Optimal types and/or amounts of activity are not known