Depression history

Question 1

what are the core symptoms of depression?

Answer 1

1. Anhedonia
2. Low mood
3. Low energy

Question 2

What are the biological symptoms of depression?

Answer 2

1. Sleep disturbances
2. Reduced appetite
3. Weight loss
4. Constipation
5. Loss of libido

Question 3

What are the cognitive symptoms of depression?

Answer 3

1. Worthlessness
2. Self-esteem
3. Poor memory
4. Poor concentration
5. Guilt
6. Tearfulness
7. Agitation

Question 4

What are predisposing factors for depression?

Answer 4

1. long-term adversity (employment, marital difficulties)
2. Poor support network
3. Female gender

Question 5

What are precipitating factors for depression?

Answer 5

Acute stressful life event

Poor compliance with medication

Question 6

What are perpetuating factors for depression?

Answer 6

1. Inability to solve precipitating or predisposing factors
2. Poor insight
3. Alcohol or substance abuse

Question 7

What are your differential diagnoses for depression?

Answer 7

1. Psychotic depression (hearing/seeing, but also paranoia)
2. Bipolar affective disorder
3. Physical causes
4. Bereavement

Question 8

What are physical causes of depression?

Answer 8

1. Physical illness: hypothyroidism, Cushing’s, cancer

2. Drugs: alcohol, illicit drug use, oral contraceptives, some anti hypertensives

Question 9

What are alarming features in depression you should look out for?

Answer 9

1. Psychotic features
2. Self-neglect
3. Potential risk to self or others
4. Suicide risk