depression

• depression is classified as a mood disorder.

  the DSM-V distinguishes between several types of depression
• types of depression

  • major depressive disorder
  • bipolar depressive disorder
  • persistent depressive disorder
  • disruptive mood dysregulation
  • premenstrual dysphoric
• major depressive disorder

  • prolonged presence of depressed mood
  • more women than men are diagnosed
• bipolar disorder

  • originally called manic depression
  • refers to two different extremes of mood - mania and depression
• persistent depressive disorder

  long term or recurring depression including sustained major depression and what used to be called Dysthymia.
• disruptive mood dysregulation

  childhood temper tantrums
• premenstrual dysphoric

  disruption to mood prior to and/or during menstruation
• DSM

  diagnosis statistical model of diseases and disorders manual - version 5

  depression - 2 weeks
• behavioural characteristics

  shift in activity levels:

  • reduced energy levels
  • disruption to behaviour/appetite
  • levels are reduced or increased
  • absolutist thinking - 'black and white' thinking
  • dwell on the negative - half cup empty. do not focus on the positives of the situation
• behavioural characteristics

  1. sufferer tends to experience a lot of sleep disturbances

  • insomnia - unable to sleep
  • hypersomnia - sleeping more than usual

  2. often a drastic change in eating behaviour

  • eating more/less than usual
  • gaining/losing weight in a short space of time

  3. increased pain from headaches, muscles and joints
• cognitive characteristics

  • irrational thought processes - overgeneralising, 'musterbation', absolutism
  • experiencing persistent negative beliefs about themselves and their abilities
  • slower thought processes - difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • death/suicidal thoughts
• emotional characteristics

  • sadness, loss of interest + pleasure in normal activities (Anhedonia) = main diagnostic criteria
  • feelings of emptiness = may feel worthless, hopeless and/or have low self-esteem
  • feelings of anger = either inwards against the self or outwards towards others