Depression

Stage 2 Psychology - Psychological Health and Wellbeing

 WHAT IS
DEPRESSION?
An extended experience of negative emotions,
thoughts, behaviours and functioning for at least
two weeks.

 One of the most common mental health

disorders.

 Necessary to examine depression from the

biopsychosocial model.
 DEPRESSION – BIOLOGICAL
 Whilst no one is sure how Biological Symptoms of
depression develops, change in the Depression
brain chemistry is likely. Headaches
Digestion issues
 Reduced levels of serotonin
Chronic pain
(associated with feeling content).
Insomnia
 Common amongst families, thought Increase or decrease in
to be hereditary. appetite
Imbalance of serotonin
 Overuse of substances such as Inactive left front lobe of brain
alcohol and drugs is associated with
Genetic inheritance
higher vulnerability to depression.
Increased daytime fatigue
DEPRESSION – PSYCHOLOGICAL
Psychological Symptoms of Depression
• Women more likely to be diagnosed with
depression than men – vulnerable at Feelings of increase sadness
beginning of adolescents, childbirth and
Low self esteem
menopause.
Learned helplessness
Thoughts of suicide and/or self harm in
• Men appear to be more vulnerable at
serious cases
retirement, during long periods of
unemployment and following separation Loss of once pleasurable activities
from a partner. Poor judgement
Lowered comprehension
• Research shows people who develop Impulsivity
depression have personality types which
include less flexibility, strongly emotional Pessimistic
and worriers.
DEPRESSION – SOCIAL
• People without supportive social Social Symptoms of
networks are more vulnerable to Depression
depression.
Diminished involvement
with others
• In some cultures, depression is Strained relationships with
considered ‘shameful’ and stigma of
family and friends
mental illness is very apparent.
Loss of social skills

• Several social factors can exacerbate Inappropriate/maladaptive

or cause depression, such as natural social behaviour
disasters, COVID19, family death and
conflict etc. Victim and/or perpetrator
of abuse
Treatments for Depression

Stage 2 Psychology - Psychological Health and Wellbeing

TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION
BIOLOGICAL
Anti-depressant medication
• Several different types of anti-depressants.

• Most common ones in Australia are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

(SSRIs) – these help to enhance the function the function of nerve cells in the
brain that regulate emotions.

Electric shock therapy

(also known as electroconvulsive therapy - ECT)
• Involves passing a carefully controlled electric current through the brain which
affects the brains activity with the aim of reducing severe depressive
symptoms.

• Modern day ECT is very safe however has risk factor of reducing memory, so is
only used when absolutely necessary.
MEDICATIONS
Advantages
• Can allow people to function day to day far more effectively.
• Used in conjunction with psychological therapy > typically
more successful in reducing mental illness.
• Readily available in Australia.

Disadvantages
• May have negative side effects.
• Can become addictive (benzodiazepines in particular).
• May take several trials of different medications to find the
right one, as well as the right dosage.
• Can take a long time to work i.e. more than two weeks.
ELECTRIC SHOCK THERAPY (ECT)

Advantages
• Modern day ECT very safe – delivered by trained health
professionals.
• Can be very effective in treating severe mental illness.
Disadvantages
• Is an intrusive procedure.
• Can cause memory problems due to changes in brain.
• May not work for everyone.
TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Structured psychological treatment which recognises the way we think
(cognition) and act (behaviour) affects the way we feel.
• Involves a professional therapist to identify thought and behaviour
patterns that make someone more likely to be clinically depressed.
• One of the most effective treatments of depression and is useful for all age
groups.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

• Focuses on problems with personal relationships and the impact they can
have on developing depression.
• IPT helps to recognise patterns in relationships that make people more
vulnerable to depression, and by identifying patterns can help client
improve on these relationships, hence, reduce symptoms of depression.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL
THERAPY (CBT)
Advantages
• Evidence for longer, more extended success
• Can use strategies again if symptoms resurface
• Applicable to all age groups and demographics, men and
women.
Disadvantages
• Sometimes difficult to change thought process for severe
depression and/or anxiety.
• Can be very confronting being diagnosed.
• Can be very expensive.
TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION
SOCIAL
Support groups and services
• Belonging to a recognised support group for
depression seen to have positive results.

• Hearing and talking to other who know what client

is going through promotes feelings of belonging
and not being alone.

• Can do this both in person and online.

Anxiety
Stage 2 Psychology - Psychological Health and Wellbeing
 WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Many different types of anxiety disorders, however all
of them have the experience of strong and/or
frequent anxiety or fear.

Different anxiety disorders include:

 Phobias
 Panic disorder
 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
 Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
 Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
 Social phobia
ANXIETY – BIOLOGICAL
Biological Symptoms of Anxiety
Headaches
• Flight or fight response much
Trembling
more active.
Nausea
Muscle tension
• Some research suggests that Dizziness
there are genetic markers for
Insomnia
vulnerability to anxiety disorders.
Genetic factors
Heart palpitations
• Evidence to also support it is Chest pain
genetic.
Sweating
Tingling sensations
Tingling sensations
ANXIETY – PSYCHOLOGICAL
• Anxious people often have interpretation
bias where they perceive information form
others as negative towards themselves.
• Often memory is impaired due to
inattention to task and worry about other
aspects.
• Takes into account an individuals past
experiences, personality style, attitudes and
beliefs and stress management skills.
• Women more likely to be diagnosed with
anxiety disorders than men.
Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety
Magnify threats and failures
Fear, worrisome thoughts
Irrational fears
Fear of panic and public scrutiny
Hypersensitive to criticism
Worried about potential mistakes
Avoidance
Persistent unwanted thoughts
Feelings of anxiety, confusion,
resentfulness
High neuroticism
ANXIETY – SOCIAL
Social symptoms and factors of
• Anxiety disorders can develop Anxiety
from a traumatic event based a Fast paced lives
persons social, socio economic,
political, religious or cultural Environmental stressors
affiliation. Decreased job security

Lack of family support

• Examples include:
Avoidance of groups, work
• War colleagues etc.
• Abuse Avoidance of social contact,
• Poverty crowds

• COVID19 Social phobias

Difference between cultures

 Treatments of Anxiety

Stage 2 Psychology - Psychological Health and Wellbeing

TREATMENTS OF ANXIETY
BIOLOGICAL
Anti-anxiety medication
• Most common type are benzodiazepines – type of tranquillizers
and/or sleeping pills (depends on type).
• Promote relaxation and reduces muscle tension.
• Should only be used for short amount of time as they become
addictive.
• Should also be used in conjunction with other treatments, not as only
treatment for anxiety.

Anti-depressant medication
• Some types of anti-depressants effective for anxiety, even if client is
not experiencing depression symptoms.
• Correct the imbalance of chemical messages between nerve cells and
the brain.
TREATMENTS OF ANXIETY
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Structured psychological treatment which recognises the way
we think (cognition) and act (behaviour) affects the way we
feel.
• Involves a professional therapist to identify thought and
behaviour patterns that make someone more likely to be
anxious.
• By making client more aware of the thoughts and behaviours,
client can start to make changes to thoughts, which will in
turn improve coping skills.
• One of the most effective treatments of depression and is
useful for all age groups.
TREATMENTS OF ANXIETY
SOCIAL

Support groups and services

• Belonging to a recognised support group for anxiety seen
to have positive results.
• Hearing and talking to other who know what client is
going through promotes feelings of belonging and not
being alone.
• Can do this both in person and online.
Stigma
Stage 2 Psychology - Psychological Health and Wellbeing
 STIGMA OF MENTAL
ILLNESS
• There is still great stigma in society towards mental illness
in general, largely because people misunderstand what it
is.

• There is no evidence to suggest there is a link between

mental illness and violence, and this notion should not be
used to reinforce stigma and discrimination against
people.

• Episode of ‘You Can’t Ask That - Schizophrenia’ will reveal a

lot of this discrimination.
 STIGMA OF MENTAL
ILLNESS - MEN
• Significant amount of stigma regarding gender expectations
in society, especially in men's health.

• Statistics from 2017-2012 show that on average,

approximately six men will take their own lives in Australia
every day.

• Leading cause of death in Australian men aged between 15-

44. More than double the national road toll.

• More recent advertising campaigns targeting men and boys.

‘Movember’ one of the most internationally recognised.