Characteristics

• Unipolar and bipolar depression

  • 3 in 10 people will experience depression in England in their lifetime

  • more common in women (statistics)

  • leading cause of disability worldwide and leading cause of absence worldwide

  • can lead to suicide - 2nd leading cause of death in 15-29 yr olds
• Types of depression


  • major depressive disorder

  • premenstrual dysphoric disorder - severe PMS

  • postpartum

  • seasonal affective disorder
• DSM - major depressive disorder

  1. A. Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2 weeks period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.
• DSM - Major depressive disorder

  symptoms:

  1. Depressed mood
  2. Loss of interest
  3. 5% weight/appetite loss or gain not linked to dieting
  4. Insomnia/hypersomnia
  5. Psychomotor agitation
  6. Fatigue/loss of energy
  7. Negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness
  8. Difficulty concentrating/making decisions
  9. Recurrent thoughts of death
• DSM - Major depressive disorder

  B. An impairment or significant distress in social, occupational or other areas of life
• DSM - Major depressive disorder

  C. The episode is not related to substances or medical conditions
• Behavioural characteristics 


  • lethargy/fatigue

  • 5% weight change

  • insomnia/hypersomnia

  • loss of interest

  • psychomotor agitation/restlessness

  • aggression + irritability

  • self harm
• Emotional characteristics

  • lowered mood - daily

  • low self esteem

  • aggression + irritability

  • recurrent thoughts of death
• Cognitive characteristics 


  • poor concentration

  • focusing on negative aspects of life

  • absolutist thinking

  • recurrent thoughts of death