Depression
Key terms
- Depression: a mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels
- Behavioural: ways in which people act
- Emotional: ways in which people feel
- Cognitive: refers to the process of thinking - knowing, perceiving, believing
DSM-5 categories of depression
All forms of depression and depressive disorders are characterised by changes to mood.
The latest version of the DSM recognises the following categories of depression and depressive
disorders:
- Major depressive disorder: severe but often short-term depression
- Persistent depressive disorder: long-term or recurring depression, including sustained
major depression and what used to be called dysthymia
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: childhood temper tantrums
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: disruption to mood prior to and/or during menstruation
Behavioural characteristics of depression
Behaviour changes when we suffer an episode of depression
Activity levels
Typically sufferers of depression have reduced levels of energy, making them lethargic
- This has a knock-on effect with sufferers tending to withdraw from work, education and
social life
- In extreme cases this can be so severe that the sufferer cannot get out of bed
In some cases, depression can have the opposite effect, known as psychomotor agitation
- Agitated individuals struggle to relax and may pace up and down a room
Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour
Depression is associated with changes to sleeping behaviour
- Sufferers may experience reduced sleep (insomnia), particularly premature wakening, or
an increased need for sleep (hypersomnia)
Appetite and eating may increase or decrease leading to weight gains or loss
- Such behaviours are disrupted by depression
Aggression and self-harm
Sufferers of depression are often irritable and can become verbally or physically aggressive
- This can have serious knock-on effects, for example, a person with depression may
display verbal aggression by ending a relationship or quitting a job
Depression can also lead to physical aggression directed against the self
- This includes self-harm, often in the form of cutting, and suicide attempts
Key terms
- Depression: a mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels
- Behavioural: ways in which people act
- Emotional: ways in which people feel
- Cognitive: refers to the process of thinking - knowing, perceiving, believing
DSM-5 categories of depression
All forms of depression and depressive disorders are characterised by changes to mood.
The latest version of the DSM recognises the following categories of depression and depressive
disorders:
- Major depressive disorder: severe but often short-term depression
- Persistent depressive disorder: long-term or recurring depression, including sustained
major depression and what used to be called dysthymia
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: childhood temper tantrums
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: disruption to mood prior to and/or during menstruation
Behavioural characteristics of depression
Behaviour changes when we suffer an episode of depression
Activity levels
Typically sufferers of depression have reduced levels of energy, making them lethargic
- This has a knock-on effect with sufferers tending to withdraw from work, education and
social life
- In extreme cases this can be so severe that the sufferer cannot get out of bed
In some cases, depression can have the opposite effect, known as psychomotor agitation
- Agitated individuals struggle to relax and may pace up and down a room
Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour
Depression is associated with changes to sleeping behaviour
- Sufferers may experience reduced sleep (insomnia), particularly premature wakening, or
an increased need for sleep (hypersomnia)
Appetite and eating may increase or decrease leading to weight gains or loss
- Such behaviours are disrupted by depression
Aggression and self-harm
Sufferers of depression are often irritable and can become verbally or physically aggressive
- This can have serious knock-on effects, for example, a person with depression may
display verbal aggression by ending a relationship or quitting a job
Depression can also lead to physical aggression directed against the self
- This includes self-harm, often in the form of cutting, and suicide attempts
