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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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’

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. The characteristics of depression
Make notes on each of these using pages
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?

15. 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).

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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)