BEC characteristics

• Depression is a mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy. The prevalence is about 2.6% with women twice as vulnerable as men. The average age of onset is late twenties.
• For a diagnosis, at least 5 symptoms must be apparent every day for 2 weeks and must include constant depressed mood or lessened interest in daily activities.
• The two main types of depression are unipolar (major depression) and bipolar (manic depression - lows and manic episodes)

  • bipolar is less common and occurs equally among the sexes
• Behavioural chatacteristics

  • reduced levels of energy (lethargy)
  • socially withdraw from work
  • appetite may increase or decrease, weight gain or weight loss
  • disruption to sleep such as insomnia or hypersomnia
  • aggression to others or self directed
• Emotional characteristics

  • constant low mood where a person feels sad and emoty
  • feeling wothless
  • lack of pleasure for activities/hobbies
• Cognitive characteristics

  • negative thinking about themselves and their world (thoughts are often irrational)
  • concentration is poor
  • decision making can be slow and poor