Unipolar Depression

Question 1

Unipolar Symptoms

Answer 1

lethargy, permanent anxiety issues and problems with sleep.

Question 2

Affective Symptoms

Answer 2

Affective:
Depressed mood.
Worthlessness/guilt.
Pessimism of the future and lack of interest in things that used to be enjoyable.

Question 3

Cognitive Symptoms

Answer 3

Cognitive:
Fatigue.
Difficulty concentrating.
Indecisiveness.

Question 4

Social Symptoms

Answer 4

Abandon hobbies and pastimes / work and study.
Withdraw from friendships / family

Question 5

Physical Symptoms

Answer 5

Physical:
Loss of appetite.
Unexplained aches/pains.
Move/speak slowly.
Changes in sleep patterns.

Question 6

Key Features UD

Answer 6

3.5 million estimated sufferers.
More common in women
Lower income households are more likely to report depression.

Question 7

DSM-V UD

Answer 7

Depressed mood or loss of interest in the pleasure of life for at least 2 weeks with at least 5 symptoms that cause clinically significant impairment in social, work or other important life areas

In DSM only one of the two key symptoms (depressed mood and loss of interest) need to be evident to make a diagnosis, the severity of this is based on how many symptoms they have and the degree of dysfunction they create

Question 8

ICD-10 UD

Answer 8

In all of these depressive episode varieties the person would suffer from depressed moods, loss of interest and enjoyment, and reduced energy leading to increased fatigability and diminished activity.

Requires 4 symptoms for mild depression, 6 for moderate and 8 for severe.

The three key symptoms are: depressed mood, loss of interest and decreased energy. Two of three need to be present for mild - moderate but all three for severe.

Question 9

Reliability of diagnosis UD

Answer 9

The DSM-V definition and the ICD-10 definition have converged and now both have ‘feelings of unworthiness and excessive guilt.’ This makes the diagnosis more reliable and valid since clinicians are looking for the same symptoms, meaning there won’t be conflicting opinions or results in this area.

Question 10

Culture and Reliabilty

Answer 10

Although there could be cultural differences, some cultures do not recognise the disorder or have words that match the english connotation. A western clinician might not diagnose depression in some people because the symptoms have a specific cultural form.