Psychological problems - Depression

Question 1

Features of Depression

Answer 1

-Withdraw from family and friends.

-No longer engage in activities they previously enjoyed.

–Worthless and sadness lead to an increased risk of suicide.
–Guilty for falling behind on work

-Do not have the motivation to work.

-Work might feel demanding and tiring from a lack of sleep.

-Treatment is costly.

-E.g. in 2007 treatment cost the NHS £1.7 billion.

-It is suggested that 10-15% of patients with severe depression commit suicide. -Expensive to give sick pay and for cover.

Question 2

Symptoms of Depression

Answer 2

Persistent sadness
Loss of interests or motivation
Fatigue
Disturbed sleep
Poor concentration
Low self-confidence
Poor or increased appetite
Suicidal thoughts or acts
Guilt or self blame and doubt
Agitation or slowing of movements

Question 3

Mention some Genetic explanation of depression

Answer 3

Genetic Predisposition: Tendency to become depressed as a result of their genes

Diathesis-stress model: People have gene but is only triggered by a stressful event

Question 4

Evaluation of genetic explanation for depression(strenght)

Answer 4

Lots of research evidence.
Genes asscocaited with depression patients
The theory is Deterministic – assumes that if you have certain genes you are likely to become depressed.

Question 5

Evaluation of genetic explanation for depression(weaknesses)

Answer 5

Reductionist – fails to take in to account other factors that can explain why someone may develop depression.

Free will – choose whether or not to ‘let yourself’ become depressed

Question 6

Explain cognitive explanations of depression, How the brain processes info and thought processes

Answer 6

Ellis’s ABC model –Albert Ellis – three stages that can cause us to develop negative thought processes – depression