Unipolar Depression Flashcards
What is unipolar depression?
A mood disorder
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder?
Major is cyclical meaning the symptoms come and go whereas dysthymic is constant
What two symptoms must be present for diagnosis out of the essential 5?
Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure
Examples of symptoms…
Depressed mood, dimished interest in all activities, significant weight chnage, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, inapproprate guilt, suicidal ideation or poor concentration
What is psychomotor agitation/retardation?
agitation - purposeless movements due to mental tension
retardation - slowing down of thought processes
What other factors must be the case for diagnosis?
- The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a mixed episode
- They must cause impairment to functioning
- Cannot be due to substance abuse
- Symptoms must not be better accounted for by bereavement
How many people are affected?
7% USA, much higher between 18-29, higher incidence in females by at least 2:1, affects 10-25% women, 12% men
Does unipolar depression have high comorbidity?
Yes with disorders such as borderline personality, anxiety, panic disorder and OCD
Who is at risk and when does it occur?
Everyone is vulnerable, found universally, average onset late 20
How many people recover?
1/3 recover completely, 1/3 partly recover, 3.4% commit suicide
What is a depressed mood?
When you feel sad or empty for most of the day, nearly everyday or are observed to be sad e.g tearful
What is a loss of interest?
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day
How much weight change is serious?
5% of body weight loss or increase in a month
What do recurrant thoughts of death refer to?
Suicidal ideation without a specific plan or a suicide attempt or a plan for committing suicide
