L8 - Characteristics of Depression Flashcards
what are the BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERISTICS of DEPRESSION? (DADC)
(D) Disruption to Sleep
(A) Aggression
(D) Disruption to Eating Behaviour
(C) Change in Activity Levels
what is the first ‘D’ in DADC?
DISRUPTION TO SLEEP - DEPRESSION is often CHARACTERISED by CONSTANT INSOMNIA whereby they have DIFFICULTY FALLING ASLEEP and STAYING ASLEEP
Alternatively they might REQUIRE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SLEEP and they might OVERSLEEP (HYPERSOMNIA)
what is the ‘A’ in DADC?
AGGRESSION - sufferers of depression are OFTEN IRRITABLE and they can become PHYSICALLY or VERBALLY AGGRESSIVE
They might also be PHYSICALLY AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS THEMSELVES in the form of SELF HARMING, such as CUTTING THEMSELVES or ATTEMPTING SUICIDE
what is the second ‘D’ in DADC?
DISRUPTION TO EATING BEHAVIOUR - SIGNIFICANT INCREASE or DECREASE IN WEIGHT is ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION
Some people might EAT A GREAT DEAL when they are depressed and therefore PUT ON WEIGHT, other people have a REDUCED APPETITE and EAT VERY LITTLE, and therefore LOSE WEIGHT
what is the ‘C’ in DADC?
CHANGE IN ACTIVITY LEVELS - some people with depression EXPERIENCE LETHARGY (lack of energy) and WITHDRAWAL FROM ACTIVITIES THAT WERE ONCE ENJOYED (ANHEDONIA).
They may also NEGLECT PERSONAL HYGIENE. Other people with depression experience INCREASED ACTIVITY LEVELS/AGITATION
what are the EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS of DEPRESSION? (FAL)
(F) Feelings of Worthlessness
(A) Anger
(L) Low Mood
what is the ‘F’ in FAL?
FEELINGS OF WORTHLESSNESS - sufferers of depression often have CONSTANT FEELINGS OF REDUCED WORTH and/or INAPPROPRIATE FEELINGS OF GUILT.
They might also experience VERY LOW LEVELS OF SELF ESTEEM
what is the ‘A’ in FAL?
ANGER - the person might feel ANGER TOWARDS OTHER, or TOWARDS THEMSELVES.
Depression may ARISE FROM FEELINGS OF BEING HURT and WISHING TO RETALIATE
what is the ‘L’ in FAL?
LOW MOOD - a key characteristic of depression is the EVER PRESENT and OVERWHELMING FEELINGS OF SADNESS/HOPELESSNESS and FEELING EMPTY
what are the COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS of DEPRESSION? (NP)
(N) Negative Schema
(P) Poor Concentration
what is the ‘N’ in NP?
NEGATIVE SCHEMA - depressed people OFTEN HAVE A NEGATIVE VIEW OF THE WORLD, THEMSELVES and the FUTURE.
This leads to the SELF FULFILLING PROPHECY whereby if you EXPECT NEGATIVE THINGS TO HAPPEN, they WILL HAPPEN because YOU MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
POSITIVE FACTORS in their life WILL BE IGNORED
what is the ‘P’ in NP?
POOR CONCENTRATION - there can be DIFFICULTY in PAYING/MAINTAINING ATTENTION, and the person might feel that THEY CANNOT STAY ON TASK FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
They might have SLOWER THOUGHT PROCESSES than NORMAL and DIFFICULTY MAKING DECISIONS
Depressed people will ALSO HAVE TROUBLE RETRIEVING MEMORIES
