SYMPTOMS Anxiety and Depression Anxiety Biological level Low

SYMPTOMS Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety Biological level: • Low levels of GABA which is a neurotransmitter that reduces activity in the central nervous system, contributes to anxiety. • Shaking, increased heart rate, panic attacks, tremors.

Anxiety Basic level: • Excessive and prolonged feelings of worry about health, money, family, work and/or school performance, despite the lack in signs of trouble • Constantly and irrationally perceiving the worst outcome in every scenario

Anxiety Personal level: • Irritability (this is a personality trait) • Putting things off because you feel overwhelmed (motivation)

Anxiety Socio-cultural level: • Feelings of panic associated with, avoidance of, or fear of activities that are normal in one’s environment (e. g. social events such as parties where lots of people will be present, driving) • Detachment from society due to self-imposed isolation

Depression Biological level: • Increased physical health complaints including headaches • Fatigue or lack of energy • Decreased arousal • Weight loss • Changes in appetite controlled by the hypothalamus

Depression Basic level: • Impaired concentration – Many people with depression have difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Memory is also slightly poorer due to impaired attention. • Negative thinking – Depressed people access negative thoughts, memories and emotions more often than those who do not have depression. They often experience strong feelings and thoughts of guilt and worthlessness.

Depression Personal level: • There is evidence that people who experience high anxiety levels, are very sensitive to criticism • People with depression are more likely to take offence to comments made by their friends, family and acquaintances • The behaviour may be explained in terms of the person level of explanation if the person has high Neuroticism • A person with high Neuroticism- Goes from calm to anxious and nervous • Loss of Motivation: – Some people may experience a loss of motivation which prevents that from recovering as it decreases their drive to find treatment for their depression

Depression Socio-cultural level: • A person may get little pleasure from usually pleasurable activities or events such as participating in social situations and being active in the community. This can result in isolation, where a person may lose interest and withdraw in social situations or in the workplace.