Diagnosis

Depression also known as major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in
the US and Worldwide. It occurs in about 20-25 percent of women and 5-12 percent of men
sometime in their life. The Mean age of Depression is about 40 years with half of clients
experiencing onset between 20 and 50 years of age (Porter 84). Depression is often difficult to
diagnose due to the many different causes of depression. Some clients seem withdrawn into a
state of apathy while some become irritable and agitated. Some factors that help a doctor make a
depression diagnosis include sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day,
loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable, and insomnia (WebMD 1). In order to be
diagnosed with depression you must have at least five of the symptoms of depression nearly
daily for at least two weeks (WebMD 2). Major depressive episodes can include feelings of
hopelessness, decreased energy or fatigue, low appetite or overeating, thoughts of death or
suicide, and persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as headaches
and digestive disorders (ADAA 1).
Once diagnosed with depression it can have serious consequences and sometimes longterm effects. Some clients who experience depression will turn to suicide attempts or addiction.
They can also turn to self-injury such as cutting themselves. Many also exhibit reckless behavior
and put themselves in risky situations (ULifeline 1). A person experiencing an episode usually
lasts six to nine months and half of all clients will experience another episode within three years.
Along with the consequences listed above a person suffering from Depression may also
experience physical consequences. For example depression is associated with an increased risk
of cardiac morbidity and increased susceptibility to cancer from an altered immune system.

Body Functions
b1340 Amount of sleep
Mental functions involved in the time spent in the state of sleep in the diurnal cycle of circadian
rhythm.
This is relevant in two ways for this disorder. First if someone is experiencing insomnia due to
depression they are not getting the proper sleep cycles during rest. Also if someone is
experiencing extreme fatigue they may be experiencing prolonged cycles of sleep that is
unhealthy.
b1265 Optimism
Mental functions that produce a personal disposition that is cheerful, buoyant, and hopeful.
This is relevant because the most prominent consequence of depression is feeling downhearted,
and gloomy. This is teaching them the mental functions to be the opposite.
b1302 Appetite
Mental functions that produce a natural longing or desire for food or drink.
Most people suffering from depression experience lack of appetite or overeating and this helps
them normalize their attitude towards food and drink.
Activities and Participation
d7100 Respect and Warmth in Relationship
Showing and responding to consideration and esteem.
People experiencing depression tend to only hear negativity and this helps them acknowledge a
positive instead.
d7700 Romantic Relationships
Creating and maintain relationships based on emotional and physical attraction.
Depression often times makes the person close themselves of emotionally to the world and this
help them to open themselves up. Also people experiencing depression can lose interest in things
that once were pleasurable which does include sex, this helps them get out and into a relationship
that can be physical.
d3350 Producing Body Language
Conveying meaning by movements of the body.
Depression makes an individual have very cathartic and slow body movements and also can
physically prevent an individual from showing positive emotions and body language.
Environmental Factors
e2450 Day/Night Cycles
Natural and predictable changes from day to night and back to day.
Depression can cause someone to develop insomnia so they become tired during the day and
awake at night and also if a depressed person sleeps in excess they can lose track of the day and
night cycle.

e310 Immediate Family

Individuals related by birth and culturally accepted as immediate family such as spouses.
Family can be some of the cause of depression by being a specific type of individual or the
passing of a family member. They can also be an implement to help the individual recover from
depression.

References

Blank Layout Test. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2016, from

http://www.webmd.com/modules/sponsor-box
Porter, H. R., & Burlingame, J. (2006). Recreational Therapy Handbook of Practice: ICF- Based
Diagnosis and Treatment. Enumclaw, WA: Idyll Arbor.
The Dangers of Depression - ULifeline. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2016, from
http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/396-the-dangers-of-depression
Symptoms Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25,
2016, from http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression/symptoms