Characteristics of Depression (AQA A Level Psychology): Revision Note

Characteristics of depression

• Depression is a mood disorder (also known as an affective disorder) characterised by low mood, lack of energy and motivation and loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable

• Symptoms of depression must have been present for no less than two weeks for a diagnosis to be determined

• The DSM-5 includes the following categories of depressive disorders:

  • Major depressive disorder: severe but often short-term depression 

  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts usually in children and adolescents

  • Persistent depressive disorder: long-term, recurring depression, including sustained major depression 

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: disruption of mood before and/or during menstruation 

Behavioural characteristics of depression

• A shift in activity levels: either an increase in activity such as restlessness, or a decrease seen via withdrawal from daily life, e.g., not going to work

• Affected sleep: either an increase in time spent sleeping/in bed or a decrease seen via insomnia or waking very early

• Affected appetite: either an increase in food consumption or, a decrease seen via an inability to eat/lack of appetite

• Aggression and self-harm: the depressed person may become aggressive towards others and/or self-harm, possibly culminating in suicidal behaviours

Emotional characteristics of depression

• Sadness: a consistently low mood is the key defining emotion of depression and may bring with it feelings of hopelessness

• Anger: there may be angry outbursts and unpredictable mood swings

• Loss of interest: the depressed person may lose all interest in activities or hobbies that once brought them joy, which in turn can lead to increased sadness

• Low self-esteem: this may involve self-loathing, which is likely to exacerbate sadness and feelings of hopelessness

Cognitive characteristics of depression

• Negative view of the world: thoughts that everything will turn out badly and that there is no hope 

• Irrational thoughts: thoughts which do not accurately reflect reality but instead mirror the negative mindset of the depressed person

• Poor concentration: concentration may be disturbed so that there is the inability to focus on one specific task

• Inability to make decisions: the depressed person appears almost 'paralysed' with indecision, seemingly unable to commit themselves to one course of action

• Catastrophising: an 'end-of-the-world' mindset in which even the smallest setback is viewed as a tragedy or emergency