Depression

Question 1

What is depression?

Answer 1

A mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels

Depression affects emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of an individual.

Question 2

What are the three main characteristics of depression?

Answer 2

• Behavioural
• Emotional
• Cognitive

These characteristics help in understanding the different ways depression manifests in individuals.

Question 3

What are the DSM-5 categories of depression?

Answer 3

• Major depressive disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Each category has distinct features and diagnostic criteria.

Question 4

What characterizes major depressive disorder?

Answer 4

Severe, usually short term

It can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.

Question 5

What is persistent depressive disorder?

Answer 5

Long term or reoccurring depression

This form of depression lasts for at least two years in adults.

Question 6

What does disruptive mood dysregulation disorder involve?

Answer 6

Childhood temper tantrums

It is characterized by severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation.

Question 7

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Answer 7

Mood disruption before or during menstruation

It includes severe emotional and physical symptoms.

Question 8

What are some behavioral characteristics of depression?

Answer 8

• Activity Levels: withdrawing from friends and work
• Disruption to sleeping/eating
• Aggression and self harm

These behaviors can significantly impact social and personal life.

Question 9

What are emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 9

• Lowered mood
• Anger
• Lowered self esteem

These emotions can lead to further complications in mental health.

Question 10

What are cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 10

• Poor concentration
• Attending to and dwelling on the negative: pessimism
• Absolutist thinking: black and white thinking