psychopathology: depression Flashcards
What is depression?
A mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels
state the behavioural characteristics
- change in activity levels
- disruption of sleep
- disruption to eating habits
- agression adn self harm
explain changes inactivity levels?
Typically reduced energy levels leading to lethargy and withdrawal from work, education, and social life
In some cases psychomotor agitation > Agitated individuals struggle to relax and may end up pacing up and down a room
How does depression disrupt sleep?
Sufferers may experience insomnia or hypersomnia
What eating behavior changes are associated with depression?
Overeating leading to weight gain or undereating leading to weight loss
What aggression and self-harm behaviors are common in depression?
Irritability, verbal or physical aggression, self-harm, and suicide attempts
Aggression may manifest in personal relationships or towards oneself.
state the emotional characteristics
- lowered self-esteem
- anger
- lowered mood
explain lowered self-esteem
Sufferers believe they are worthless, hopeless and inadequate. Sufferers feel less like themselves than usual.
Some sufferers can experience self hate
explain anger
Anger towards themselves and/or others
explain lowered mood
Constant sadness and feelings of emptiness
state the cognitive characteristics
- poor concentration
- dwelling on the negative
- absolutist thinking
explain poor concentration in depression?
Difficulty in sticking with tasks and making decisions
What does ‘attending to and dwelling on the negative’ mean in the context of depression?
Possessing negative beliefs and expectations about oneself, the world, and the future > focusing on negative aspects of situations
What is absolutist thinking?
Black and white thinking, viewing situations as either all good or all bad
