Characteristics of depression

• What is depression?

  A mood disorder defined by a consistent and long-lasting sense of sadness
• What are the behavioural characteristics of depression?

  -Reduction in activity level = Includes lethargy, lacking the energy needed to perform everyday activities (e.g. personal hygiene/washing)

  --Anhedonia is the lack of pleasure usually felt doing enjoyable activities, leading to a reduction in social behaviour

  -A change in eating behaviour = often results in either significant weight gain or weight loss

  -An increase in aggression = This can be towards other ppl, but these aggressive acts often take the form of self-harm
• What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

  -Sadness = A persistent, very low mood

  -Guilt = Linked to helplessness and a feeling that they have no value in comparison to other ppl
• What are the cognitive characteristics of depression?

  -Poor concentration =People with depression cannot give their full attention to tasks, and when they need to make a decision, they can be indecisive, unable to choose between competing options

  -Negative schema = Automatic negative biases when thinking about themselves, the world and the future