WHAT IS UNIPOLAR DEPRESSION?

Question 1

What is Unipolar depression (simply)?

Answer 1

• Affective mood disorder.

Question 2

What is Unipolar depression?

Answer 2

• An affective mood disorder characterized by at least 2 weeks of persistent low moods, low self-esteem and loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities (without manic or hypomanic episodes).

Question 3

Name 2 types of unipolar depression?

Answer 3

1. (Single episode) depressive disorder.
2. (Recurrent) depressive disorder.

Question 4

What is a single episode depressive disorder?

Answer 4

• Characterized by the presence of one depressive episode, without history of previous episodes (lasts 6-8 months with no treatment)

Question 5

What is recurrent depressive disorder?

Answer 5

Characterized by at least 2 depressive episodes separated by several months or more without significant mood disturbance.

(is diagnosed when a person has at least 2 depressive episodes).

Question 6

What are the 4 symptoms of Unipolar depression?

Answer 6

1. Behavioural
2. Emotional (mood/feelings)
3. Cognitive (faulty thought process)
4. Somatic (physical)

BECS

Question 7

What is the difference between unipolar depression vs bipolar disorder?

Answer 7

• Unipolar- involves ONLY depression.
• Bipolar-Involves depression AND manic/hypomanic episodes.

Question 8

What is a depressive episode?

Answer 8

• a period of persistent sadness and hoplesness lasting for at least two weeks.

Question 9

Behavioral symptoms of unipolar depression? (BECS)

Answer 9

neglecting hobbies/interests and avoiding social contact.

Question 10

Emotional symtoms of depression?

Answer 10

• Persistent low mood
• Crying (a lot)
• Feeling anxious/ worried.

Question 11

Somatic (physical) symptoms of depression?

Answer 11

• Moving/speaking more slowly than usual.
• Appetite or weight changes.
• Unexplained aches/ pains.
• Lack of energy.

Question 12

Cognitive symptoms?

Answer 12

• Concentration, decision making, memory problems
• Negative thought patterns (self-criticism/ worthlessness)

Question 13

When can a diagnosis be made for unipolar depression?

Answer 13

1. No experinces of manic, mixed or hypomanic episodes
2. Miniumum duration of 2 weeks
3. Signficant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.
4. Cannot be explained by any other medical condition or substance.