The behavioural characteristics of depression is having low activity levels (withdrawal) or high activity levels (psychomotor agitation),
disruption to eating/sleeping patterns and aggression and self harm
The emotional characteristics of depression are lowered moodanger and lowered self esteem
The cognitive characteristics of depression are poor concentration, absolutist thinking and focussing on the negative
The vicious circle of depression is when thoughts create feelings, feelings create behaviour and behaviour reinforces thoughts.
DSM-5 & Depression: Evaluation Points
Cultural differences
Social acceptability
Bias
DSM-5 & Depression: Cultural differences
Some cultures think that depression is a normal response to certain life events, whereas in others it is not moral. For example, in western cultures depression is expected after certain life events.
DSM-5 & Depression: Social Acceptance
Admitting to being depressed is becoming more socially acceptable in western and individualistic cultures. However, collectivist cultures such as Japan still consider it morally unacceptable.
DSM-5 & Depression: Bias
Some psychologists argue that the DSM-5 is subject to alpha, beta and andocentric bias. Hare-Muskin & Maracek said that the DSM-5 was written mainly by male psychologists, putting it at risk for beta, alpha and andocentric bias.
