Intro

Question 1

List some depressive thoughts a person with depression may have

Answer 1

Low self esteem
Guilt and self blame
Hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts

Question 2

List some biological symptoms of depression

Answer 2

Lack of energy
Reduced enjoyment 
Early morning wakening
Diurnal variation of mood
Reduced appetite
Weight loss
Psychomotor retardation
Loss of libido

Question 3

List some other presentations of depression

Answer 3

Agitation
Masked depression
Atypical depression
Psychotic depression
In a specific context e.g. post natal

Question 4

Describe the features of a person with agitation

Answer 4

Restless, agitated

Question 5

List some symptoms of atypical depression

Answer 5

Over-eating
Weight gain
Increased sleep (but extremely fatigued)

Question 6

Define the terms ‘hallucination’ and ‘delusion’

Answer 6

Hallucination - a false perception when there is no external stimulus
Delusion - an idea or belief firmly held, on inadequate grounds and not in keeping with the patient’s educational and cultural background

Question 7

List the symptoms of mania

Answer 7

Elated mood
Increased activity
Increased energy
Ideas of self importance
Pressure of speech
Flight of ideas
Increased libido
Reduced sleep
Psychotic symptoms

Question 8

How are depression and mania classified according to the ICD 10?

Answer 8

Depressive episode - mild, moderate, severe, severe with psychotic symptoms
Manic episode - hypomania, mania, mania with psychotic symptoms

Question 9

Describe the epidemiology of depressive symptoms, depressive illness and bipolar mood disorder

Answer 9

Depressive symptoms - 13-20%
Depressive illness - 5-17%
Bipolar mood disorder - 0.5-1.5%

Question 10

Describe some of the causes of mood disorders

Answer 10

Predisposing - genetic factors, childhood experiences
Precipitating - bereavement and other losses
Perpetuating - difficult relationships, financial difficulties, alcohol and drug misuse
Biological - genetic, brain illnesses, physical illnesses outside of the brain
Psychological - childhood experiences, view of yourself and the world
Social - work, housing, finance

Question 11

Describe, briefly, some of the ways mood disorders may be treated

Answer 11

Psychological
Biological
Social

Question 12

List the core symptoms of depression

Answer 12

Low mood
Lack of energy
Lack of enjoyment and interest in activities/hobbies