1. Unipolar depression Symptoms and Features Biological Explanation
Bio-chemical explanation:
The Catecholamine Hypotheses
Cognitive Explanation
Beck’s Cognitive Triad
Treatments for depression
Biological Approach: Anti-depressants
Cognitive Approach: CBT

2. Common cold of psychopathology?
"Depression has been labelled the common cold of psychopathology. This comparison is unfortunate, for it conveys the impression of a frequent but mild complaint. In reality depression is not only the most frequent mental health problem, but is among the most serious"
PAUL GILBERT, Depression: The Evolution of Powerlessness

3. NHS Guidance on depression

4. Types of depression Unipolar (depression)
Unipolar (depression)
Major depressive disorder
(Endogenous or reactive)
Dysthymic disorder
Psychotic depression
Bipolar disorder (manic-depression)

5. Unipolar Depression Range of physical and psychological symptoms
Cyclical disorder; it comes and goes but is long-lasting
Symptoms may be present for 4-6 months at a time then go again
People with this diagnosis usually have symptoms about 27.5% of the time

6. Prevalence Lifetime prevalence of 5-9%
NHS website for UK says 15% (3.5 Million sufferers)
hard to estimate - many don’t seek help
About 2 x more likely in women
Men more likely to commit suicide
less likely to seek treatment
2% British teenagers are depressed but onset often and peaks around 50-60
More common in lower socio-economic groups

7. More features
Some cases of depression can be treated and do not return whereas other suffers throughout their lives
People with depression tend to have shorter life expectancy
Depression can be linked to physical conditions, e.g. heart disease
Depression sometimes follows significant life events, especially those involving loss, e.g. loss of loved one, job, house, marriage etc.