1. Identify the diagnostic criteria for depression based on the DSM.
2. Explain the Diathesis-stress model for depression. Provide details in your answer.
1. The DSM-5 lists the following diagnostic criteria for depression:
- Depressed mood, most of the day, nearly every day. This can be indicated by subjective report (e.g. feeling sad, empty, hopeless) or by observation (e.g. tearfulness).
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities, most of the day, nearly every day.
- Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
- Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must experience five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks, and they must cause functional impairment or distress.
2. The diathesis-stress model is a theory that proposes that a person's susceptibility to a disorder (diathesis) arises from a combination of genetic or biological vulnerabilities and environmental stressors. For depression, this means that a person may have a genetic or biological predisposition to the disorder, but it may not manifest unless they experience significant stressors in their environment.
For example, a person with a family history of depression may have inherited genetic variations that make them more susceptible to the disorder. However, they may not become depressed unless they experience significant life stressors such as the loss of a job or relationship difficulties. The diathesis-stress model can help explain why different people may experience the same environmental stressors but only some of them develop depression.
The model also suggests that the severity of depression may be influenced by the interaction of the diathesis and the stressors. For instance, a person with a high genetic vulnerability might require only minor stressors to develop depression, whereas a person with lower genetic vulnerability might need more significant stressors to experience depression.
Overall, the diathesis-stress model highlights the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of depression and is a useful framework for understanding the heterogeneity of the disorder.
1. The diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are:
a. Depressed mood: The person experiences a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by subjective feelings or observed by others.
b. Loss of interest or pleasure: The person demonstrates a significant decrease in interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities, most of the day, nearly every day.
c. Significant weight loss or gain: A noticeable decrease or increase in body weight without trying to do so, or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
d. Insomnia or hypersomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing constant fatigue during the day.
e. Psychomotor agitation or retardation: Observable restlessness or slowed speech/movements that are significant enough for others to notice.
f. Fatigue or loss of energy: Persistent feeling of fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
g. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt: Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness that are irrational or not based on reality.
h. Diminished ability to think or concentrate: Difficulty in thinking, concentrating, or making decisions nearly every day.
i. Recurrent thoughts of death: Persistent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation, or suicidal attempts.
To meet the diagnosis of MDD, an individual must experience at least five of these symptoms within the same two-week period, with at least one symptom being either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. These symptoms must also cause significant impairment in functioning and cannot be due to the effects of substances or a medical condition.
2. The Diathesis-stress model for depression is a psychological framework that suggests that individuals have a predisposition (diathesis) to develop depression, which is then triggered by stressors. This model suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the onset of depression.
The diathesis refers to an individual's biological or psychological vulnerability. This could include genetic factors, certain personality traits, or early-life experiences that make someone more susceptible to developing depression. For example, individuals with a family history of depression may have a genetic predisposition.
Stressors, on the other hand, are environmental factors that can trigger the development of depression. These can include traumatic life events, significant loss, or chronic stress. These stressors may overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms, leading to the onset of depressive symptoms.
According to the Diathesis-stress model, the stronger the diathesis, the less stress is needed to trigger depression. In contrast, individuals with a weaker diathesis may require more significant stressors to develop depressive symptoms.
This model emphasizes the interaction between an individual's vulnerability and external stressors, suggesting that an individual's genetic predisposition alone is not sufficient to cause depression. Instead, the combination of vulnerability and stress leads to the development of depressive symptoms. Additionally, this model has implications for understanding and providing interventions for depression, as it highlights the importance of both addressing the underlying vulnerability and providing coping skills and support to manage and reduce stress.