Depression

what is depression

a mood disorder

describe major depressive disorder

requires the presence of at least 5 symptoms and must include sadness or loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities

describe persistent depressive disorder

longer term and/or recurring compared to major depressive disorder

what are the emotional characteristics of depression

sadness- most common

people may feel worthless, hopeless and/or experience low self-esteem and inappropriate guilt

loss of interest and pleasure in usual hobbies

anger

describe anger in depression

could be directed at others or themselves

could lead to behavioural characteristics of verbal or physical aggression

what are the behavioural characteristics of depression

depressed mood- may lead to tearfulness

shift in activity levels

hypersomnia or insomnia

change in body weight due to eating habits

movement and speech may become slower

describe negative thinking in depression

automatic and in response to normal or even positive situations

excessive and catastrophizing- jump to the worst possible outcome

describe irrational thinking of depression

thoughts that interfere with a person being happy and free from pain

fuelled by unrealistic expectations of themselves and the world