Characteristics of depression

• What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?

  Low energy levels: 'psycho-motor agitation' is when the individual feels restless and agitated, as well as lethargic

  
  

  Disruption to sleep + eating: experiencing insomnia or hypersomnia. Can also experience a lack of appetite or even binge-eating

  
  

  Aggression + self harm: can be verbally or physically aggressive towards themselves or others, and can be easily irritable
• What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

  Lowered mood: feeling low and unproductive

  
  

  Anger: feelings of anger or rage, can be acted out on their selves or others

  
  

  Lowered self-esteem: self loathing and less confidence
• What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?


  Poor concentration: they are unable to focus and concentrate

  
  

  Dwelling on negative thoughts: they are constantly in a negative state

  
  

  Absolutist thinking: they see everything as either one way or the other, have a narrow 'black and white' way of thinking
• What is depression?

  • A mood disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels
  • Diagnosis requires 5 symptoms that an individual has been experiencing for longer than 2 weeks
  • Examples include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder