The behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of depression 4.1.4 Psychopathology The behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of depression

Depression: definition and symptoms Depression is a mood disorder A mood disorder is the term used to explain disorders that affect the emotional state of those suffering from them, i.e. – the current emotional mood is distorted or inappropriate to the circumstances Depression is characterised by low mood and low energy levels

What is depression? What is depression An affective (a mental disorder characterised by extreme changes in mood) disorder, which is on a continuum. Patients can have it to a greater or lesser degree. Affective = a mental disorder characterised by extreme changes in mood Continuum: varying degrees of severity.

Common Symptoms: Common symptoms Reduced concentration Lack of self-esteem Pessimism Disturbed sleeping and eating habits Sometimes: Ideas of self harm Lack of interest Tiredness Sad mood ‘Feeling nothing’

Quote Quote Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all — instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.

About 1 in 10 of us will develop depression at some stage in our lives. About 1 in 50 will develop a major episode of depression.

Diagnosis of depression Can appear gradually or suddenly Occurs in all social classes and at all ages, from childhood to old age The severe forms are more common in middle and old age although there has been a steady increase in depressive illnesses amongst people in their twenties and thirties. Before a diagnosis of depression can be made, the symptoms (which might be a combination of those listed) should have lasted for at least two weeks

Diagnosis of depression Depression can be relatively mild, or so intense that the sufferer is at serious risk of suicide. It is estimated that 5% of adults in Britain will suffer from it at some time in their lives (SANE, 1993). The risk of women developing unipolar depression is double that of men.

Diagnostic features of depression Depression can affect the thoughts (cognitions), feelings (emotion), behaviour (actions) and the physical well-being of an individual. Clinical depression for example is not merely a feeling of sadness (although this forms a major part of the illness), but rather a set of complex symptoms. The symptoms must be causing distress or impaired functioning in social and/or occupational roles

DSM-5 categories of depression The DSM recognises the following categories of depression and depressive disorders: MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER – severe but often short-term depression. PERSISTANT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER – long-term or recurring depression, including sustained major depression. DISRUPTIVE MOOD DYREGULATION DISORDER – childhood temper tantrums PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER – disruption to mood prior to and/or during menstruation

Signs and symptoms of a depression sufferer Behavioural: how a person acts (behaves) when in a depressed state. Typically their behaviour changes and the individual experiences reduced levels of energy Emotional: how a person feels when in a depressed state. Patients often describe themselves as feeling ‘worthless’ and ‘empty’. Cognitive: how a person thinks when in a depressed state. In particular, the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of a situation Around 40% visit doctors for the first time due to physical symptoms. These include aches and pains, a lack of energy, palpitations, headaches and stomach upsets. Sleep disturbance is another possible symptom. Can be loss of appetite or weight. There are obviously physical symptoms also

The characteristics of depression Make notes on each of these using pages 140-141 Emotional Behavioural Cognitive What do you THINK about when you are in a depressed state? How do you FEEL when you are in a depressed state? How do you BEHAVE when you are in a depressed state?

Josh Behavioural: ▪▪ Sleeplessness and nightmares. ▪▪ Avoiding parts of town. ▪▪ Lowered activity levels – no longer working out, playing guitar, playing basketball. ▪▪ Irritability. Emotional: ▪▪ Emotionally flat and disinterested. Cognitive: ▪▪ Negative thoughts – anger at the driver. ▪▪ A belief that the world is not fair (anger at the world).

Kirsten Behavioural: ▪▪ Restlessness, tiredness. ▪▪ Pacing the office. ▪▪ Sleep disruption. Emotional: ▪▪ Lowered mood. ▪▪ Lowered self-esteem. Cognitive: ▪▪ Negative thoughts – fear of losing job and being unable to provide for family; constant ‘worse-case scenario’ thoughts. ▪▪ Poor concentration – losing track in meetings.

Read the example on page 140 ‘Apply it’ Jessica Read the example on page 140 Identify the behavioural, emotional and cognitive aspects of Jessica’s state

Exam Questions Outline the emotional characteristics of depression. (3 marks) Outline the behavioural characteristics of depression. (3 marks) Outline the cognitive characteristics of depression. (3 marks)