Final answer:
Assessment findings for depression include prolonged sadness, physiological changes, and cognitive disturbances. Research supports the biopsychosocial approach, noting the intricate connection between depression and increased risk of coronary disease, and points to both biological markers and environmental factors as important associations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessment findings associated with depression can vary widely, but often include symptoms such as prolonged periods of sadness, loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue or lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death. Studies have demonstrated a significant biopsychosocial approach to understanding the complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to depression. Furthermore, research has established a link between depression and an increased risk of coronary disease, illustrating a bi-directional relationship where each condition can exacerbate the other.
For instance, one systematic review suggests that depressive symptoms might indeed increase the risk of developing coronary disease (Wulsin & Singal, 2003). Another pertinent finding through various epidemiological studies is that disturbances in morning cortisol secretion, a biological marker, are associated with depression and may predict subsequent depressive symptoms (Halligan et al., 2007). Additionally, job-related burnout is recognized as a significant association with depressive disorders, which suggests that environmental stressors play a critical role in the onset and maintenance of depression (Ahola et al., 2005).