AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS - Student Book
Comprehensive study notes on AQA Psychology topic of depression. Can easily be turned into flashcards for effective revision. Includes practice questions at the end of the document.
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
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