Depression
Depression is an affective (mood) disorder. Characterised by
feelings of sadness and a general withdrawal from those
around us.
Why is it called a mood disorder?
This broader term affect is used to describe not just the
subjective aspects of mood, but also to include features that
are evident to the external observer, such as the persons
behaviour or speech.
, Depression symptoms
It is not abnormal to feel depressed.
We all feel depressed from time to time, and this is quite
normal.
In fact it is normal, indeed it is psychologically appropriate, for
one to feel depressed when one’s situation is depressing.
Such as:
o Failing an important exam
o A relationship ends
o Closest friend becomes ill
It would be odd, in fact if you were not affected by adversity.
(case study: Jane is blue)
Is this depression?
THIS IS NOT DEPRESSION IN THE CLINICAL SENSE
Why not?
Usually this is short-lived and does not interfere too much
without everyday functioning, in that we carry on going to work
or college, even thought we might not feel too much like
socialising.
What is depression in a clinical sense?
Depression is when everyday functioning is seriously impaired.
Depression is an affective (mood) disorder. Characterised by
feelings of sadness and a general withdrawal from those
around us.
Why is it called a mood disorder?
This broader term affect is used to describe not just the
subjective aspects of mood, but also to include features that
are evident to the external observer, such as the persons
behaviour or speech.
, Depression symptoms
It is not abnormal to feel depressed.
We all feel depressed from time to time, and this is quite
normal.
In fact it is normal, indeed it is psychologically appropriate, for
one to feel depressed when one’s situation is depressing.
Such as:
o Failing an important exam
o A relationship ends
o Closest friend becomes ill
It would be odd, in fact if you were not affected by adversity.
(case study: Jane is blue)
Is this depression?
THIS IS NOT DEPRESSION IN THE CLINICAL SENSE
Why not?
Usually this is short-lived and does not interfere too much
without everyday functioning, in that we carry on going to work
or college, even thought we might not feel too much like
socialising.
What is depression in a clinical sense?
Depression is when everyday functioning is seriously impaired.
