Anxiety and depression are two disorders frequently diagnosed in adults. Given serious adverse affects such as physical health problems, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and suicide, differentiation in treatment of these often comorbid disorders is a necessity in providing appropriate care. The tripartite model of anxiety and depression (Clark & Watson, 1991) proposes that these disorders are linked by a common trait (Negative Affect) and differentiated by a trait common to depression (lack of Positive Affect) and a trait common to anxiety (Physiological Hyperarousal). The Clinical Assessment of Depression (CAD; Bracken & Howell, 2004), a recently published selfreport narrow-band measure of depression, includes a measure of anxiety related symptoms in its subscale structure. This study explores the validity of the CAD with two established measures: the Beck Depression Inventory – II (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck, & Steer, 1993). College students of 18 to 52 years of age (n = 295) enrolled in undergraduate courses in psychology at a south central Kentucky university provided the study data. These individuals were divided into nonclinical and clinical samples based on self disclosure of a clinical diagnosis to examine differences between groups. Strong positive correlations (above r = .60) between similar CAD scales and total scores on the BAI and BDI-II supported convergent validity for the nonclinical sample. All comparisons supported convergent validity for the clinical sample except the correlation between the BDI-II Total Score and the CAD - Depressed Mood subscale (r = .56). Weak to moderate correlations (r = 0.0 to .59) between dissimilar scales supported divergent validity for all dissimilar comparisons in both samples except the correlation between the BDI-II and the CAD-Anxiety/Worry subscale in the nonclinical sample (r = .66). Hotelling-Williams t-tests were performed to compare correlations of similar and dissimilar constructs. Significant results emerged most comparisons in the nonclinical group support the use of the CAD diagnostic assessment. However, nonsignificant findings for the CAD Anxiety/Worry subscale indicate that this measure lacks the ability to aid diagnose significant levels of anxiety. Only one significant difference between correlations was found for the clinical sample with the CAD – Diminished Interest subscale evidencing significantly stronger correlations with the BDI-II than the BAI. The lack of significant differences for the other CAD scales is discussed relative to the small clinical sample size and the heterogeneity of disorders represented. Results support the use of the CAD as an adequate diagnostic tool for depression with college students. Results did not support the use of the CAD in differential diagnosis of anxiety with college students within the framework of the tripartite model. Implications of the findings are discussed to aid in practice and to suggest further research.

Depression received much attention in the professional literature as a stimulus both for experimental as well as applied research. It continued to be the subject of much controversy in respect to its definition, identification, and classification. Attempts were made to objectify the assessment of depression using self-report scales to tap various aspects though to be related to its etiology as well as its symptomology. Two of the most popular and reportedly well-validated self-report scales identified in the literature for determining and quantifying depressive symptoms were the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (Zung).The present study was designed to determine if there were factors in common between the Beck and the Zung scales and, in addition, to test whether these factors would differentiate subjects by sex class membership, diagnostic category, and by some linear combination of biographical or life-history information. The major purpose was the identification of outstanding charactersitics of depression predicted from biographical data and the determination of the relationship of these data to self-rating psychometric measures of depression. This study makes it clear that the Beck and Zung scales are measuring different aspects of depression and thus are likely based on separate constructs. The need of developing a depression index based on separate factor scores is highlighted. Also, a multimodal approach to assessment in general is indicated. Studies relating biographical information to factors of depression are suggested. This study makes several inroads, generating descriptive factors and significant biographical or life history correlates. These findings could be expanded and further research could lead to the development of assessment tools useful in the identification of patients with distinct depressive syndromes, as well as at-risk subject groups, in order to implement both primary and secondary prevention.

The majority of adolescents diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Gauteng complained of being tired of 1'talk therapy" . This study used imagery as a technique in the treatment of two adolescents suffering from MDD. The initial identification was based on the results of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). After a number of sessions of implementing imagery techniques, the BDI was readministered. To determine the long-term effectiveness of imagery, the BDI was again administered a month-and-a-half after completion of the sessions. The results before and after indicate a reduction in the severity of depression. The results at the month-and-a-half follow-up session indicated a further reduction in the level of depression in both cases. This indicates the long-tenn effectiveness of imagery in treating depression. Further research is required, but there are significant indications that imagery may be an effective technique in the treatment of depressed adolescents under psychiatric supervision. / Educational studies / M.Ed (Guidance and Counseling)

No description available.

This cross-sectional, exploratory study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of self-harming behaviours among a sample of South African university students (N = 603), as well as the relationship between deliberate self-harm (DSH) and symptoms of depression and anxiety. A battery of instruments, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI) was administered to participants. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, Chi Square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses. The findings suggest high rates of DSH among the sample (46% lifetime prevalence; 36% 12-month prevalence). No significant gender differences were found in the rates of DSH. Participants from the combined Asian and Coloured racial group reported significantly higher rates of DSH than both White and Black participants. Participants aged 20-21 were significantly more likely to report DSH than those in other age groups. Overall, depression scores in the sample fell within the normal range (M = 15.79), while anxiety scores were found to be exceptionally high (state anxiety: M = 46.56; trait anxiety: M = 48.72). The findings suggest that participants with elevated levels of depression are significantly more likely to report DSH. A significant, negative relationship was found between DSH and state anxiety, while a positive yet insignificant relationship was found between DSH and trait anxiety. The findings of this exploratory study partially support the findings of international research investigating the relationship between DSH and depression and anxiety, but warrant further exploration in order to better understand the complexities of these relationships, particularly in the South African context. / Mini-Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

Self-compassion denotes a compassionate and empathic attitude toward oneself (Neff, 2003b). In the past decade, the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) has been used to measure self-compassion in individuals and its effects on social, psychological, and physiological functioning. While many studies have found positive effects of high self- compassion showing promise for the use of the construct in clinical and empirical applications, there is a dearth of literature regarding the psychometric properties of the SCS. Furthermore, previous studies have not evaluated the individual subscales of the SCS as they relate to other inventories. This study evaluated the SCS and its subscales in relation the to the well-established Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). The study included 142 undergraduate Cal Poly students who completed both the SCS and the BDI- II. As predicted, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between total SCS and BDI-II scores (r = -.57). Statistically significant negative correlations were also found between BDI-II total scores and the Self-Kindness (r = -.35), Common Humanity (r = -.37), and Mindfulness (r = -.35) subscales of the SCS. Statistically significant positive correlations were found with BDI-II total scores and the Self-Judgment (r = .49), Isolation (r = .59) and Over-Identified (r = .43) subscales of the SCS. This study evaluated the convergent and discriminant validity of the SCS and its subscales as compared to the BDI-II.

Background: It is known that medical doctors suffer from increased rates of depression with medical interns being most at risk. Despite this, little is known about the prevalence of depression in interns in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in interns. Setting: All 91 interns employed at Groote Schuur Hospital, a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, from January 2017 until May 2018, were invited to participate in the study. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. Consenting interns were required to complete a demographic and related questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory 2 (BDI-2). Results: Fifty-four (59.3%) of all invited interns participated in the study. Twenty-two interns (41%) reported a Beck Depression Inventory 2 score of 14 or greater. Features associated with a BDI-2 score of 14 or greater, included female gender, a previous diagnosis of depression, seeing a psychotherapist and previously being on antidepressant medication during internship. Other features also significantly associated with higher BDI-2 scores included, suicidal ideation, thoughts of emigration, wanting to leave Medicine and using substances to cope. The most significant associated feature of high BDI-2 scores was feeling “burnt out”. Conclusion: Interns had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms when compared to the general population. The feeling of being ‘burnout' was the most significant factor associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. It is imperative that the mental health of both medical students and newly qualified doctors be prioritised, supported and monitored.

No description available.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / A depressive mood disorder has been for the past decade the mood disorder with the highest prevalence in the general population. Independent studies done in South Africa indicated a prevalence of depression between 13% to 53%. These results do not concur with official published statistics indicating a prevalence of depression in 16% of the general population over a lifetime. Depression is probably under diagnosed by general practitioners and only a small proportion of adolescents with depression are recognised and even less receive any support for their depression. The aim of this study was to explore the following: the prevalence of symptoms of depression in grade 10 learners in schools in Stellenbosch, gender differences regarding the prevalence of depression symptoms in grade 10 learners, the prevalence of specific symptoms of depression and to explore similarities between symptoms of depression and the adolescent developmental phase. The study was conducted by means of the Beck Depression Inventory. The survey was conducted with 201 grade 10 learners with the necessary permission. The results regarding the prevalence of depression symptoms and gender differences regarding the prevalence of depression correlate with international statistics. This study found that more respondents indicated one or more symptom of depression at the given time than indicated by the literature. It was also found that some adolescent developmental tasks are similar to some symptoms of depression. Further research in South Africa regarding the prevalence of symptoms of depression was recommended.

The current study examined the relationship between depression and uncertainty within the stress-diathesis model. Depression is a mental health disorder that is wide spread within our society. However, few causes of this disease have been able to be identified. Studies in uncertainty have shown that it is a major stressor in day-to-day life. Previous research has shown that individuals with high levels of uncertainty show higher levels of depression. The stress-diathesis model, a model originally developed to explain differences in development of schizophrenia, provides a theoretically meaningful way to combine these two concepts. The model states that a person who is likely to develop a disease has an internal mechanism, a diathesis, that will be triggered upon presentation of a stressor. This study tested the idea that uncertainty can be used as a stressor to activate diathesis within an individual, aiding in the prediction of depression. In total, 163 participants were randomly assigned one of three conditions, an uncertainty threat, an affirmation condition, and a control condition. Participants were given pre and post independent variable measures of depression and anxiety. Findings suggest that uncertainty activated negative emotions differentially within the participants, resulting in higher levels of negative affects after the uncertainty threat, especially for participants who already scored relatively higher on depression indicators. These results hint at a possible understanding of why depression rates and diagnosis rates of mental health issues rise during economic downturn and other times of strong uncertainty.