depression

• what is depression : it is a mood disorder characterised by strong emotions that influence ability to function normally
• mood disorder affect people -

  affects people

  • perceptions
  • thinking
  • behaviour
• there are two types of depression:

  1. Major depression (unipolar disorder)
  2. Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
• Major depression - episode of depression that occurs suddenly

  • can be reactive - caused by external factors, death of loved one
  • can be endogenous - caused by internal factors e.g neurological factors
• Manic depression - alterations between two mood extremes (mania + depression)

  • occurs in regular cycles of days or weeks
  • episodes of Mania involve overactivity, rapid speech, feeling extremely happy or agitated
  • Depression shows normal depression characteristics
• physical/ behavioural characteristic of depression:

  • sleep disturbances
  • change in apetite
  • pain - especially headaches, joint pain
  • Lack of activity - social withdrawal
• cognitive symptoms of depression:

  • persistent negative beliefs about themselves and abilities
  • suicidal thoughts
  • slower thought process - difficult concentrating
• affective/emotional symptoms of depression

  • extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair
  • Diurnal mood variations - changes of mood through out the day
  • Anhedonia - no longer enjoying hobbies or activities used to
• depression characteristic are either:

  • physical/ behavioural symptoms
  • cognitive symptoms
  • affective / emotional symptoms