Depression is a mood disorder characterised by extreme sadness.
To be diagnosed with major depression, according to the DSM, an individual must experience at least 5 symptoms from a list, including one of depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, nearly every day for at least two weeks
Emotional Characteristics of Depression:
Depressed Mood: Ever-present and overwhelming feelings of sadness/hopelessness
Loss of Interest and Pleasure: Lack of enthusiasm and concern or pleasure in daily activities
Worthlessness: Constant feelings of low self-worth and inappropriate guilt
Cognitive Characteristics of Depression:
Reduced Concentration: Difficulty in paying and maintaining concentration, slowed thinking, and difficulty making decisions
Negative Beliefs about Self: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself and abilities
Suicidal Thoughts: Constant thoughts of death and/or suicide
Behavioural Characteristics of Depression:
Change in Activity: Reduced energy levels leading to fatigue, lethargy, and inactivity. In some cases, psychomotor agitation may occur.
Change in Eating and Sleeping Patterns: Changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, insomnia, or excessive sleeping. Eating and sleeping behaviours are disrupted by depression.
Social Impairment: Reduced levels of social interaction with friends and relations
