Depression Essay, Research Paper
Does the average person experience depression throughtout their life?
Troy R. Mittler
Research Report
Introductory Psychology 110
Instructor: Jack Mino
12/15/99
Introduction
In psychology, depression is a mental illness in which a person experiences deep, unshakable sadness and diminished interest in nearly all activities, it involves disturbances in emotion(Encarta). Depression is among the most common mental illnesses. About 8 percent of adults in the United States experience serious depression through out their lives (Encarta). Women are about three times more likely to be depressed than men (Encarta). The illness could come on slowly, then get progressively worse over time, or it could come on suddenly in weeks or even days ( Encarts). Depression would cause a person to be sad all of the time and they may often cry (Encarta). Things that would usually bring that person pleasure no longer do. Symptoms of depression vary with a person’s age. Depression could be caused by something obvious such as marriage, financial , or personal problems, but most psychologist believe depression “results from an interaction between stressfull life events and a person’s biological and psychological vulnerabilities.” (Encarta).
A cross sectional study of symptom attribution and recognition of depression and anxiety in primary care showed:
[D]ifferent styles of symoptom attribution are strongly associated with different rates of detection of depression and anxiety. Patients who make psychologising attributions are more likley to get a psychological diagnosis ; the stronger there tendency to make such attributions the more likley such a diagnosis becomes. A normalising style of attribution has the opposite effect, and the patients tendency to nomralise or minimise his or her symptoms the less likley she is to be seen as depressed or anxious by the general practitioner. Somaticattributions, which are least common, had no measurable effect on diagnoised rates, though this may have been because of lack of statistical power.
These lines are quoted from the British Medical Journal Feb,13 1999 (David A Kessler; Keith Loyd; Glyn Lewis; Denis pereira Gray).This study suggest that psychlogist, when diagnosing a patient with depression symptons, may misdiagnois,or may under diagnois the patient .
The functioning and well-being of depressed patients, a medical outcome study of 11,242 out patients determined that “patients with either current depressive disorder or depressive symptoms in the absence of disorder tended to have worse physical, social, and role functioning, worse preceived current health, and greater bodily pain that did patients with no chronic conditions.” (Kenneth B. Wells, MD, MPH; Anita Stewart, Phd; Ron D. Hays, Phd; M.Audrey Burnham, Phd; William Rogers, Phd; Marcia Daniels, MD; Sandra Berry, Ms;Sheldon Greenfield, MD; John Ware, Phd).
Does the average person go through phases of depression throughout their life? Does everyone experience depression but maybe they just have a different way of dealing with it ? Is what psychologist call a psychology depressed deal with anxiety and stress. Some people may actually mask their depression with alcohol. American Jorunal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, did a study on anxiety and alcohol in patients in treatment for depression. The chief findings of the study was that “[w]hen anxiety is a significant component for a depressive patient, the clinical picture is obviously more complicated, treatment outcome is less certain, and the long-term prognosis is worse than when depression alone is indicated. Alcohol is a factor among depressive patients, this cooralation is not confirmed to one gender (“although the way in which anxiety functions in affecting alcohol abuse may differ for females that males”) (Edward H. Fischer; John W. Goethe).
M E T H O D S
In this study,123 Questionnaires were handed out to four different groups of people. The questionnaires were handed out personally and the instructions were given verbally. The recipients were asked to fill out the questionnaires which consisted of three simple yes or no questions. They were asked to put their age on the questionnaire but to remain annomonus . The three questions on the questionnaire asked the recipient if they ever experienced symptoms of depression. Depression was defined as deep, unshakable sadness and diminished interest in all activities, accompanied by stomachaches, headaches, and irritability. They were then asked if these symptoms were only present when stress levels were high. The final question asked it they had ever been diagnosed with major depression. They were then given instructions as to where to leave the questionnaires when finished, they were told to return them within one week. The first group of questionnaires handed out were to the senior psychology students at a local high school. The next group was 28 employees that worked in tthe office of a business. The third group was 19 employees at a construction site. The final group was 12 members of a local health club. Out of the 123 questionnaires handed out only 48 returned.
R E S U L T S
The 48 returned questionnaires were classified into five different categories according to the symptoms of depression that was reported. The number of peple that reported a certain symptom of depression was categorized by their age (see chart)
My study seemed to suggest that the 17 who reported symptoms of depression, but have not been diagnosed with a disorder , could have been related to high amounts of stress or stress full events. Three people reported having depressive symptoms, accompanied by high stress levels, and have been diagnosed with depression. One person said they experienced depressive symptoms, but stress full events had no impact, and they were experiencing symptoms of depression, stress did not have an impact, but they were diagnosed with depression. Twenty six people reported have no symptoms of depression. Although the validity of a small study like this one is questionable , the results seem to suggest that stress could play a big role in bringing out symptoms of depression in people that have, or have not been diagnosed with depression.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of my study was to see if everyone in one way or another experiences depression, and if stress has an effect of bringing out depression in people. Depression is a deep sadness, or a withdrawl from activity. There is different levels of depression.
Someone could have a minor case of depression or someone could have a major case. The study in which I did, does not look at the levels of depression, but tather looks at the common symptoms associated with depression. My findings did not show that everyone experiences some form of depression, because of the 48 people who returned the questionaire, all of them said they had no symptoms of depression. The study showed a slight coralation between age and depression, but due to the small amount of participants in the study this could have been just coinencedience. Those that reported high stress, reported more symptoms of depression than those that reported no stress. To find out whether of not everyone experiences depression, we would have to da a much bigger and more concentrated study. A lot more research on this topic is needed to be sure that all of the results are accurate.
Другие работы по теме:
The Great Depression And The New Deal
Essay, Research Paper The Great depression and the New Deal The Great Depression began in October 1929, when the stock market in the United States dropped rapidly. Thousands of investors lost lots of money and many were wiped out, lost everything. The crash led us into the Great Depression. The ensuing period ranked as the longest and worst period of high unemployment and low business activity in modern times.
Biology Of Depression Essay Research Paper Depression
Biology Of Depression Essay, Research Paper Depression is a common illness that inflicts millions of people worldwide. Although the causes are still being determined, growing evidence has lead scientist to conclude that biochemicals in the brain such as serotonin, hormones, and other factors lead to depression.
Depression And Women Essay Research Paper Around
Depression And Women Essay, Research Paper Around the world, depression occurs more frequently among women than among men. The female-male ratio ranges from 2:1 to 3:1 in most industrialized countries (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1999). “Women are 2-3 times more likely than men to suffer from depression”(Encarta Encyclopedia, 2001). “Why do women feel blue more often than men?”
Depression Essay Research Paper Depression is defined
Depression Essay, Research Paper Depression is defined as a low sad state in which life seems bleak and it?s changes overwhelming. When people lapse into a state of depression, they experience different symptoms and not all depressed people have the same symptoms. Symptoms of depression fall into the following five categories: emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive and physical.
Great DepressionCulture Essay Research Paper Question What
Great Depression/Culture Essay, Research Paper Question: What did the New Deal change in American society? What in our society did it not change? How much credit should World War II be given for ending the Depression? Has the New Deal impact on present day culture and social values, as well as on economic philosophy and actual distribution of wealth been limited or extensive?
Great Depression Essay Research Paper Explain the
Great Depression Essay, Research Paper Explain the underlying and immediate causes of the Great Depression. The causes of the Great Depression are all important and mostly interrelated. The distribution of wealth was far outbalanced as much more money was acquired by the rich. Oversupply and the inability of consumers to buy products caused several more problems.
The Effects The Great Depression Had On
Families Essay, Research Paper The Effects the Great Depression Had on Families Outline What were the effects the Great Depression had on families during the 1930?s?
Nutrition Essay Research Paper Nutrition and Diet
Nutrition Essay, Research Paper Nutrition and Diet Project My average calorie intake per day was 1531.8. My caloric need per day was 3326. My intake is supposed to be way more than what it is. This is really surprising to me. The average percentage of carbohydrates, fat and protein is in the chart below. DAY FAT CARBS PROTEIN SUGAR1 20% 34% 20% 25%2 10% 73% 17% 0%3 21% 47% 13% 19%4 18% 52% 15% 16%5 20% 48% 17% 15% These numbers are around what I should have.
Depression Essay Research Paper Depression
Depression Essay, Research Paper Depression Depression, it is defined by Webster’s Unabridged Edition Dictionary as: in psychology, an emotional condition, either normal or pathological,
Manic Depression Essay Research Paper Manic depression
Manic Depression Essay, Research Paper Manic depression is an illness that affects how people think, feel, and act. These people have really extreme episodes of mania (highs) and depression (lows.) It happens to about 1% of the population, both equally in men and women. When the person is going through a manic episode they have lots of energy, talk fast, jumping from topic to topic.
Herodotus Essay Research Paper Herodotus Essay Herodotus
Herodotus Essay, Research Paper Herodotus Essay Herodotus of Halicarnassus was born about 484 B.C. he died 60 years later. For the time he lived in this age was very old though by today’s standards it is not. The reason why his age was so outstanding was in his time the average man live for maybe half that because of the harsh living conditions.
A Comparison Between The Great Depression And
Of Mice And Men Essay, Research Paper The Great Depression is comparable to Lennie and George’s life. I would like to give a comparison of George Milton and Lennie Small to the Great
Algebra Essay Research Paper Determine and Apply
Algebra Essay, Research Paper Determine and Apply a Formula My topic for this assignment is was to determine the amount of people possible to cross a crosswalk during the time of the crosswalk?s walking symbols. To calculate this I made an algebraic equation to support my idea, and an example to support my equation.
The Treatment Of Manic Depression Now And
Then Essay, Research Paper The Treatment of Manic Depression, Now and Then The treatment of manic depression has changed through the years. This essay will compare the view and treatment of manic depression in the sixties, to the view and
Depression In Adolescents Essay Research Paper Depression
Depression In Adolescents Essay, Research Paper Depression in children and adolescents is a very important subject, it is more important than most people think. In earlier times, it was thought that children could not suffer from depression, so they were not tested for it. Now days it is evident that children and adolescents can suffer from this mental disorder.
Him Essay Research Paper I think about
Him Essay, Research Paper I think about him day and night The though won’t go away And, oh, how I would hold him tight every second of the day He is perfect, that is true, not an average me or you
Fdr Essay Research Paper The Depression for
Fdr Essay, Research Paper The Depression for the US lasted from 1929 until 1941, resulting in a decline in production and rise in unemployment. Hoover regarded the Great Depression as a recurring downturn that will eventually recover. Therefore, he didn’t rush to give direct relief assistance to the needy.
Suicide Essay Research Paper
“Why do people commit suicide? People usually attempt suicide to block unbearable emotional pain, which is caused by a wide variety of problems. (rockhford).
Velocity Essay Research Paper Instantaneous Versus Average
Velocity Essay, Research Paper Instantaneous Versus Average Velocity A position versus time graph or a displacement versus time graph can be used to analyze the motion of an object in one dimension. The slope gives the object’s velocity. The slope of a line segment joining two points on the graph gives the average velociy during that interval.
Teen Smoking Essay Research Paper Teen smoking
Teen Smoking Essay, Research Paper Teen smoking has always been a factor in America, especially during High School. That is when teens are most likely to pick up the habit (Teen Smokers PG 13). We are constantly around people that smoke and usually offered cigarettes when they do smoke. If smoking is so bad for you then why do so many teens smoke? Because they don’t know how bad it is for them.
The Yellow Wallpaper Essay Research Paper Quiz
?The Yellow Wallpaper? Essay, Research Paper Quiz #1 Resubmission Exercise (The Yellow Wallpaper) “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a story of a woman and her struggle with her psychological problems, and her quest to regain her sanity. In “The Yellow Wallpaper”, the narrator instructed to refrain from any intellectual activity and to engage in total bed rest in order to cure her depression.
Trading Places Essay Research Paper Advanced English
Trading Places Essay, Research Paper Advanced English Ted Korolchuk Mrs. Feldhausen 8-23-95 Trading Places If I could trade places with somebody, it would be Atticus Finch, from the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. There are many reasons I would trade.
Anorexia 2 Essay Research Paper Anorexia and
Anorexia 2 Essay, Research Paper Anorexia and bulimia are excessive eating disorders. Anorexia is the act of starving oneself, usually to maintain a certain physical image. Bulimia is a disorder in which one person eats an excessive amount (bingeing) and then purges the food on purpose. Bulimics usually induce vomiting or use laxatives of some sort.
College Essay Essay Research Paper College EssayThroughout
College Essay Essay, Research Paper College Essay Throughout the years, I have had to deal with many trials, and challenges. Growing up BI-racial had a big affect on both my parents? relationship, my relationship with my parents (which later on lead to their separation). There were cultural clashes within my household; my mother who was from Korea, and my father who was from Panama.
Clinical Depression 2 Essay Research Paper Clinical
Clinical Depression 2 Essay, Research Paper Clinical depression is very common. Over nine million Americans are diagnosed with clinical depression at some point in their lives. Many more people suffer from clinical depression because they do not seek treatment. They may feel that depression is a personal weakness, or try to cope with their symptoms alone.
Depression Essay Research Paper Everyone goes through
Depression Essay, Research Paper Everyone goes through periods of feeling sad, lonely, or unhappy. Everyday events, and our reactions to them, sometimes interfere with our peace of mind. That’s all part of life. But when such feelings linger for weeks or months, preventing a return to a healthy outlook on life, they could signal depression.
Great Depression Essay Research Paper Great Depression
Great Depression Essay, Research Paper Great Depression began in the early 1930’s, and lasted about a decade. The main cause for the Great Depression was the combination of the greatly unequal distribution of wealth throughout the 1920’s and extensive stock market speculation that took place during the later part that same decade.
Hitlers Germany Essay Research Paper One reason
Hitlers Germany Essay, Research Paper One reason the people of Germany accepted Hitler’s orders willingly and without question was beause it was what they wanted to hear. At the time the depression
Vietnam Survey Essay Research Paper Survey of
Vietnam Survey Essay, Research Paper Survey of The Sixties and Early Seventies In the 1960 s, the baby boomers became teenagers and were growing up in the Cold War. Because of the threat of nuclear disaster, many of these young people felt they were living on the edge of disaster. Many of them blamed their elders who had grown up in the Depression and World War II , this created the generation gap .
A Look Back On The Great Depression
Of 1936 Essay, Research Paper A Look Back on the Great Depression of 1936 The Great Depression was a time of tremendous poverty and depravation. It put many hard-working men and women out of their jobs and sources of income.