Depression

All forms of depression and depressive disorders are characterised by changes to mood

Behavioural characteristics 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
• Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour: depression is associated with changes to sleeping behaviour, i.e. insomnia or hypersomnia. Appetite and eating may increase or decrease leading to weight gain or loss
• Aggression and self-harm: sufferers of depression are often irritable and can become verbally or physically aggressive. Depression can also lead to physical aggression against the self (self harm)

Emotional characteristics of depression

• Lowered mood: lowered mood…