Depression

• What is depression characterized by?

  A mental disorder characterized by low mood and energy levels
• What are the DSM-5 categories of depression?

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
• What is required for a diagnosis of depression according to the DSM-5?

  Sufferers must display at least five symptoms every day for at least two weeks
• How does depression affect behavior?

  It leads to changes such as reduced energy and withdrawal from activities
• What are some behavioral characteristics of depression?

  Reduction in energy, disruption to eating behavior, disturbance to sleeping pattern, aggression, and self-harm
• What emotional characteristics are associated with depression?

  Lowered mood, feelings of worthlessness, lack of interest, and anger
• How do cognitive characteristics manifest in individuals with depression?

  They process information differently, often leading to poor concentration and dwelling on negatives
• What is the cognitive approach to explaining depression based on?

  It suggests that emotional problems are the result of cognitive distortions
• What are the two key cognitive theories that explain depression?

  Beck's cognitive theory of depression and Ellis's Irrational thinking (ABC Model)
• What does Beck's cognitive theory of depression suggest?

  It suggests that some people are more vulnerable to depression due to cognitive vulnerabilities
• What is the Negative Triad in Beck's cognitive theory?

  It consists of negative views of the self, the world, and the future
• How do negative views about the self, world, and future contribute to depression?

  They create a cycle of negative thoughts that enhance feelings of hopelessness
• What is a negative self-schema according to Beck?

  A self-schema that interprets information about oneself negatively
• What is faulty information processing in the context of depression?

  It refers to focusing on negative aspects of a situation while ignoring positives
• What are some examples of cognitive biases identified by Beck?

  Overgeneralizations and catastrophizing
• What evidence supports Beck's cognitive theory of depression?

  Research shows that cognitive vulnerability is linked to depression
• How does Beck's cognitive theory relate to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

  CBT identifies and challenges cognitive aspects of depression
• What is a limitation of Beck's cognitive theory of depression?

  It does not explain all aspects of depression, such as hallucinations
• What does Ellis's ABC Model explain?


  It explains how irrational thoughts affect behavior and emotional state
• What are the components of Ellis's ABC Model?

  1. Activating Event, B: Beliefs, C: Consequences
• How do activating events trigger irrational beliefs according to Ellis?

  Negative events trigger irrational beliefs that can lead to depression
• What are the consequences of irrational beliefs according to Ellis?

  They can lead to emotional and behavioral consequences, including depression
• What is a limitation of Ellis's ABC Model?

  It only partially explains why individuals may experience depression
• What did McGuffin et al. (1996) find regarding depression in twins?

  There is a 46% chance that if one identical twin has depression, the other will too
• What does the biological approach suggest about depression?

  It suggests that depression may be caused by genetic and neurotransmitter factors
• How does Ellis's explanation relate to therapy?


  It has led to successful therapy approaches for treating depression
• What undesirable emotion does Debbie feel regarding her relationship?

  Debbie feels guilty that she spoilt the relationship and that she is unlovable.
• What undesirable behavior does Debbie resolve to avoid?

  Debbie resolves not to form new relationships as she will only fail and get hurt again.
• What desirable behavior does Debbie look forward to?

  Debbie looks forward to forming new healthy relationships and tries to learn from her experience.
• How does Ellis’s ABC model explain depression?

  Ellis’s ABC model provides a partial explanation of why an individual may experience depression.
• What type of depression occurs as a result of an activating event according to Ellis's model?

  Reactive depression occurs as a result of an activating event.
• What alternative explanation exists for depression aside from Ellis's ABC model?

  Depression can also be caused by biological conditions, such as genes and neurotransmitters.
• What did McGuffin et al (1996) find regarding identical twins and depression?

  If one identical twin has depression, there is a 46% chance that the other twin will also have depression.
• What is the chance of non-identical twins both having depression according to McGuffin et al (1996)?

  There is a 20% chance that the other non-identical twin will also have depression.
• Why is the finding about twins significant in understanding depression?

  This finding suggests a genetic component to depression since identical twins share 100% of their DNA while non-identical twins share 50%.
• What is one outcome of Ellis's ABC model and Beck's explanation for therapy?

  Both have led to successful therapy, particularly through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• How does CBT help reduce depressive symptoms according to Lipsky et al (1980)?

  By challenging irrational negative beliefs, CBT can reduce depressive symptoms.
• What is the practical application of CBT for patients suffering from depression?

  CBT can be confidently offered as a standard treatment to help manage depressive symptoms.
• What is a strength of Ellis's ABC model and Beck's cognitive theory of depression?

  They can explain the relationship between attachment and depression.
• What did Ainsworth's Strange Situation reveal about attachment and depression?

  Children with insecure attachment are more vulnerable to depression in adulthood.