L8: The Behavioural, Emotional And Cognitive Characteristics Of Depression

Question 1

Diagnosis

Answer 1

• at least 5 symptoms present everyday for over 2 weeks
• 5 symptoms must include sadness or loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities
• the person will show impairment in general functioning that has not been caused by other events (loss of a loved one)

Question 2

Behavioural characteristics of depression (action)

Answer 2

• shift in energy levels : results in fatigue, lethargy, high levels of inactivity, leads to withdrawal from work,education and social life.
• social impairment
• weight changes, eat too much or too little.
• poor personal hygiene
• sleep pattern disturbance, insomnia or hypersomnia
• aggression and self harm

Question 3

Emotional characteristics of depression (feelings)

Answer 3

• loss of enthusiasm
• constant depressed mood
• worthlessness
• anger

Question 4

Cognitive characteristics of depression (thinking)

Answer 4

• delusions
• reduced concentration
• thoughts of death
• poor memory
• negative thinking -negative schema
• absolutist thinking “it was a complete disaster”