Depression

Depression

Mental health condition characterised by low mood and low energy levels.

Disruptive mood disregulation disorder

Applies to 6-18 year olds

Verbal outbursts of temper in childhood. 3 a day for 12 months.

Happens at school, home and other settings

Major depressive disorder

Severe but usually short term

Depressed mood, most of the day, nearly every day

Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia), (Mild depression)

Less intense but long term. Low mood for 2 years

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Women who suffer low mood just before and during menstruation.

Marked effective lability - Mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, increased sensitivity to rejection

Behavioural characteristics of depression

Self harm + Aggression

Reduced or increased appetite

Poor personal hygiene

Activity levels

Reduced energy

Psychomotor agitation

Self harm + Aggression

Verbally and physically aggressive. Has knock-on effects on life aspects e.g. quitting a job.

Can lead to self physical aggression (self-harm)

Reduced energy

Wanting to sleep all the time (Hypersomnia)

Having difficulty sleeping (Insomnia)

Activity levels

Lethargic

People withdraw from work or social life.

Often can’t get out of bed

Psychomotor agitation

Struggle to relax and may pace up and down a room.

Emotional characteristics of depression

Constant sadness

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Low mood

Low self-esteem

Low mood

Feelings of emptiness, worthlessness or hopelessness

Low self-esteem

Like themselves less than usual.

Can be extreme with self-loathing

Cognitive characteristics of depression

Negative expectations about life and relationships

Negative thoughts, self-belief and self-concept

Absolutist thinking

Dwelling on the negative

Negative expectations about life and relationships

Leads to behaviour that confirms negative self-beliefs.

Absolutist thinking

An unfortunate situation is treated as a disaster

Dwelling on the negative

People pay more attention to negative aspects and ignoring positives.

Have a bias to recalling unhappy events rather than happy ones