Characteristics of depression

a mood disorder characterised by low mood, low energy levels and/or lacking interest in usual activities.

what is depression?

it is the most prevalent mental health disorder and affects around 1 in 6 adults in the UK

give statistics about depression

• major depression disorder

• persistent depressive disorder

• disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

• premenstrual dysphoric disorder

what are the 4 types of depression?

severe but often short-term depression

what is major depression disorder

long-term or recurring depression

what is persistent depressive disorder?

Childhood temper

what is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder?

disruption to mood prior or during menstruation

what is premenstrual dysphoric disorder

poor concentration, attending and dwelling on the negative, and absolutist thinking

what are the 3 cognitive characteristics of depression?

People often find it hard to stick to a task that they usually would be able to or to easily make decisions that they usually would be able to. 

cognitive

what is poor concentration? is it an example of a cogntive, emotional, or behavioural characteristic?

People dwell on the negative things that have happened rather than the positive.They are also more likely to recall negative events rather than positive

cognitive

what is attending to and dwelling on the negative? is it an example of cognitive, emotional or behavioural characteristic?

People with depression see all situations in a negative light, and if something goes wrong, they see it as a disaster

cognitive

what is absolutist thinking? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?

lowered mood, anger, and lowered self-esteem which is associated with feelings of worthlessness

what are the 3 emotional characteristics of depression?

More than just feeling 'sad' - people often report feeling 'worthless' and 'empty'.

emotional

what is lowered mood? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?

An emotion which leads to self-harm/abuse towards others 

emotional

what is anger? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?

This is incredibly low in those with depression and they often report 'self-loathing’.

emotional

what is lowered self-esteem? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?

disruption of sleep - including insomnia, several examples of aggression, and low activity levels

what are 3 behavioural characteristics of depression?

This causes people to withdraw from work, education or social life. In extreme cases, a person may not be able to get out of bed.

In rare cases, depression has the opposite effect where people struggle to relax and will constantly pace the room.

behavioural

what is lowered activity levels? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?

Some people suffer from loss of sleep while some people have an increase in need for sleep. 

Appetite may increase or decrease, causing a person to lose or gain weight. 

behavioural

what is disruption to sleep/ eating behaviour? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?

Sufferers are often irritable and in some cases they become verbally or physically aggressive. This can have knock-on effects on work and relationships. 

It may also lead to self-harm, including both cutting and suicide. 

behavioural

what is aggression and self-harm? is it an example of a behavioural, emotional or cognitive characteristic?