Characteristics of depression

What is the definition of depression?

A mental disorder characterised by low mood & energy levels

In terms of behavioural characteristics, depression can cause reduced energy levels which makes the person what?

Lethargic 

In extreme cases, what can being lethargic lead to?

Maladaptive behaviour (e.g. being unable to get out of bed)

In some cases, depression can have the alternative effect where individuals struggle to relax & pace. What is this known as?

Psychomotor agitation

How can depression affect sleeping & eating behaviours?

• Insomnia or hypersomnia (over-sleeping)

• Weight gain or weight loss

What percentage of body weight gain or loss is said to indicate a change?

5%

In what ways can we see aggression & self-harm as behavioural characteristics of depression?

• Irritability

• Verbally/physically aggressive

• Self-harm (e.g. cutting & suicide)

How can the behavioural characteristics of depression affect the individual’s life?

Withdraw from work, education & social life

What are three examples of emotional characteristics associated with depression?

• Lowered mood & self-esteem

• Anger

• Guilt

As well as lowered mood & sadness, how do depressed patients often describe themselves?

Worthless & empty

What is the ratio of negative to positive experiences that depressed patients have?

More negative than positive

What term is used to describe the way some sufferers experience hatred for themselves?

Self-loathing

What are three examples of cognitive characteristics of depression?

• Poor concentration

• Attending to & dwelling on the negative (negative schema)

• Absolutist thinking

Poor concentration can make it harder to do what?

Process information & make decisions

What outlook do depressed patients have?

Pessimistic

Depressed patients have a bias towards recalling what?

Unhappy events rather than happy ones

What is absolutist thinking?

Black & white thinking → situations are either all good or all bad

According to absolutist thinking, if a depressed patient experiences an unfortunate situation, how will they view this?

As an absolute disaster