Characteristics of Disorders - Affective Disorders (Depression)

An affective disorder prevents the individual from leading a normal life e.g. disabling moods An example of an affective disorder is depression. Depression can be divided into several categories: Major deprressive (Single episode) and minor depressive or recurrent depressive disorder. Clinical depression is more than just feeling low and common in symptoms include disturbed eating and sleeping patterns, lack of interest and increased tiredness.

The DSM-IV describes a single episode of depression involving atleast 5 or more of the following symptoms:

The first is insomnia most nights e.g. Having too much on your mind like not being able to pay a bill as you have no money and you have to meet deadlines. Also, fidgeting or letharging can lead to depression e.g. Not being able to sit straight, because time is running out for paying a bill. Thirdly, being tired can lead to depression e.g. worrying about the deadline of paying the bills keeps you up at night which cause you to feel tired and exhausted during the day, hence your sleeping pattern is affected. Fourthly, feeling worthless or guilt can cause depression e.g. feeling lonely and feeling like no one cares about you can cause you to feel depressed. Finally, less ability to concentrate e.g. trying to grieve over a loved one, to loose concentration over your daily working habits can add to feeling depressed.