characteristics of depression

• What are some behavioural characteristics of depression?

  Changed activity levels, aggression, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• How can changed activity levels manifest in individuals with depression?

  They may experience psychomotor agitation or an inability to wake up and get out of bed
• What types of aggression may be observed in individuals with depression?

  Aggression towards oneself and towards others, which may be verbal or physical
• What changes in sleeping and eating patterns are associated with depression?

  Insomnia and obesity on one end, and lethargy and anorexia on the other
• What are the emotional characteristics of depression?

  Lowered self-esteem, constant poor mood, and high levels of anger
• How does the mood of a person with depression differ from simply 'feeling down'?

  It lasts for months at a time and is high in severity
• What cognitive characteristics are associated with depression?

  Absolutist thinking, selective attention towards negative events, and poor concentration
• What is an example of absolutist thinking in depression?


  Jumping to irrational conclusions, such as believing "I am unable to visit my mother today and so I am a failure of a son"
• How does selective attention manifest in individuals with depression?

  They often recall only negative events in their lives
• What impact does poor concentration have on individuals with depression?

  It disrupts school and work, adding to feelings of worthlessness and anger