Maria Khalid

Dc200200169
PSY632 Assignment no. 1
Research Topic:

Depression
Depression is a state of mental illness. Depression is when everything feels too hard. It is
characterized by deep, long-lasting feelings of sadness and despair. It can change one’s thinking
and feelings. It also affects one’s social and occupational life. It slowly takes over a person’s life
to the point where they forget how it all began. You wonder how you ever enjoyed anything at
all. You wonder what other people have that you can’t get a hold of. You drag yourself through
each day.

Depression is an extremely complex disease. No one knows exactly what causes it, but many
researches showed variety of reasons of depression. Some people experience depression during a
serious medical illness. Others may have depression with life changes such as a move or the
death of loved ones and because of financial problems. Still there are people who have this
illness because of a family history of depression. And in some cases, the overwhelming feeling
of sadness and loneliness has no known reason. However, the major causes of depression are
abuse, certain medications, personal conflicts or disputes with friends and family, death or loss,
genetics, serious illnesses and substance abuse etc.

Depression is not a mood you can just get over. It is a disease in which the brain cease to register
pleasurable activities, says Andrew Angelino. Indeed, MRI studies with depresses people have
found changes in the parts of the brain that plays a significant role in depression. Women are
about twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. You’re also more likely to develop
depression if you are between ages 45 and 64, nonwhite, or divorced and if you never graduated
high school, can’t work or are unemployed and have health issues.

The Middle East and North Africa suffer the world’s highest depression rates, according to a new
study by researchers at Australia’s University. The study used data on the prevalence, incidence
and duration of depression to determine the social and public health burden of the disorder
around the world. Globally, they found, depression is the second-leading cause of disability, with
slightly more than 4 percent of the world’s population diagnosed with it. The most depressed
county is Afghanistan, where more than one in five people suffer from the disorder. The least
depressed country is Japan, with a diagnosed rate of less than 2.5 percent.

Sample:
Young Subjects.

College students to Young adults including male and female.

Data Collection Method:

I choose depression questionnaire in which different type of questions ask about depression.
Through this questionnaire I will gather data which will help me to know about causes and risks
about depression.

Procedure:
I have chosen different colleges and offices and give them depression questionnaire and the
subjects will fill the form.

Informed Consent:
I volunteer to participate in a research project conducted. I understand that the project is designed
to gather information about people who are suffering from depression. I will be on of
approximately 45 people being interviewed for this research.

1. My participation in this project is voluntary. I understand that I’ll not be paid for my
participation. I may withdraw and discontinue participation at any time without penalty.
2. If I feel uncomfortable in any way during the interview session, I have the right not to
answer the question or end the interview.
3. Participation involves being interviewed by researcher. The interview will last
approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Notes will be written during the interview and an audio
tape of the interview will be making. If I don’t want to be taped, I’ll not be able to
participate in the study.
4. I understand that the researcher will not identify me by my name in any report and my
confidentiality as a participant in this study will remain secure.
5. Faculty and administration from my school and office will neither be present at the
interview nor have any access to raw notes and transcripts.
6. I understand that this research study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional
Review Board (IRB) for studies involving human subjects. For research problems or
questions regarding subjects, the Institutional Review Board may be contacted through
information given in interview.
7. I have read and understand the explanation provided to me. I have had all my questions
answered to my satisfaction and I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.
8. I have been given a copy of this consent form.

My Signature ___________
Date __________