Mental Disorder: Depression Flashcards
what is depression?
… a mental disorder characterised by low mood/low energy levels
what are behavioural categories of depression?`
activity levels
disruption to sleep and eating behaviour
aggression and self harm
Activity levels?
.. they have reduced activity levels making them lethargic
*this can have a knock on effect on their work, education
depression can lead to the opposite effect = psycho motor agitation
*agitated individuals struggle to relax and may end up pacing up and down a room
disruption to sleep and eating behaviour?
…sufferers may experience insomnia and hypersomnia
weight gain or loss
Aggression and self harm?
they can either become verbally or physically aggressive
depression can lead to physical aggression directed against the self
E.G self harm or suicide attempts
what are cognitive characteristics of depression?
poor concentration
attending to and dwelling on the negative
absolutist thinking
Poor concentration?
sufferer may find themselves unable to stick with a task ass they usually would»»this likely to interfere with the individuals work
Attending to and dwelling on the negative?
people will pay more attention to negative aspects of a situation and ignore the positives»»>they tend to see the glass as half empty than half full
Absolutist thinking?
when a situation is unfortunate they see it as a complete/absolute disaster.
What are the emotional characteristics of depression?
lowered mood
anger
lowered self-esteem
lowered mood?
emotional characteristics
sufferers = often describe themselves as ‘worthless’ & ‘empty’
more pronounced of feeling lethargic/sad
Anger?
emotional characteristics
frequently experience anger/extreme anger
*such occasions»leads to aggressive or self harming behaviour
lowered self-esteem?
emotional characteristics
-they tend to like themselves less than usual
^can be quite extreme+some can describe a sense of self-loathing
E.G=hating themselves.
