Summary AQA Psychology, Depression

Depression
Definition
- A mental disorder categorised by low mood and low energy levels.
- Major depressive disorder- Severe but short-term depression.
- Persistent depressive disorder- Long term or recurring depression,
including sustained major depression.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder- Childhood temper
tantrums.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder- Disruption to mood prior/during
menstruation.


Behavioural characteristics of depression- Activity levels
- Reduced energy levels- withdraw from work, education, and social
life.
- Can be so severe that sufferer cannot get out of bed.
- Can lead to the opposite effect- agitated individuals can struggle to
relax and pace up and down a room.
Behavioural characteristics of depression- Disruption to sleep and
eating behaviour
- May experience insomnia (reduced sleep) or increased need for
sleep (hypersomnia).
- Appetite can also increase or decrease, leading to weight gain or
loss.
Behavioural characteristics of depression- Aggression and self-
harm
- Sufferers are often irritable, can be verbally or physically abusive.
→ E.g. end a relationship or quit a job.
- Can lead to physical aggression against the self.


Emotional characteristics of depression- Lowered mood
- Lowered mood is a clinical term for depression.
- Patients describe themselves as worthless or empty.
Emotional characteristics of depression- Anger
- Sufferers experience more negative emotions that positive.
- Frequently experience anger, sometimes extreme which can be
directed towards the self (self-harm) or others.
Emotional characteristics of depression- Lowered self esteem