Depression

Depression is a mood disorder which is characterized by low mood and low energy.

The two main types are unipolar and bipolar depression.

DSM-5 organisms the categories of depression.

sufferers must show at least 5 symptoms everyday for 2 weeks.

Key Characteristics:

• long term/reoccuring

• major depressive disorder is often short-term but severe

• can appear gradually or suddenly

• insomnia

• recurrent thoughts of death

• feelings of worthlessness

• significant weight loss/gain

Behavioural Characteristics:

• loss of energy = reduction in energy and constantly feel tired

• sleep disturbance = some sleep significantly more, some suffer insomnia

• changes in appetite = some will eat less or more

Emotional Characteristics:

key emotional characteristic is a depressed mood or feelings of sadness

• depressed mood

• feelings of worthlessness

• lack of interest or pleasure in activities

• sometimes anger = can be directed at themselves or others

Cognitive Characteristics:

finished ability to concentrate and tend to focus on the negative

difficulty paying attention and maintain attention

—> causes slower responses and decision making

inclined to focus on negative aspects in situations and ignore the positives

recurrent thoughts of self-harm, death or suicide