Antidepressant Agents Instructions: Case Discussion On Depression: Antidepressant Agents
Instructions: Case Discussion on Depression:
A 28-year-old female presents to your office stating that she is troubled by headaches and fatigue. She says that she always feels tired and can’t sleep well, often waking up early if she gets to sleep at all. She describes her headaches as dull, aching, and generalized. These symptoms began about three weeks ago and have been getting worse. She reports a lack of interest in her usual activities, even the ones that she used to enjoy. She also reports that she is missing work due to fatigue and inability to concentrate. Although both her children are in school, she is concerned that she is “losing them”. She is worried that she might have “something bad” because she has difficulty concentrating and is having frequent crying spells. She reports a loss of appetite, with a weight loss of 10 pounds in the last month.
The patient has no significant past medical or psychiatric history and takes no regular medications. However, she takes ibuprofen for headaches. She denies using alcohol or drugs. The patient is married, with two elementary school-age children.
Summarize the clinical case.
Create a list of the patient’s problems and prioritize them.
Which diagnosis should be considered
What is your rationale for the diagnosis
What differential diagnosis should be considered
What test or screening tools should be considered to help identify the correct diagnosis
What treatment would you prescribe and what is the rationale (consider psychopharmacology, diagnostics tests, referrals, psychotherapy, psychoeducation)
What standard guidelines would you use to assess or treat this patient
Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis and include peer-reviewed journal evidence to support the student’s position.
Submission Instructions
Your initial post should be at least 500 words,formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 evidence-based sources.
Summary of Clinical Case:
A 28-year-old female patient has come to the office with a complaint of persistent headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. She also reports a lack of interest in activities she once enjoyed, frequent crying spells, decreased concentration, weight loss, and worries about losing her children. The patient has no significant medical or psychiatric history, takes ibuprofen for headaches, and denies the use of alcohol or drugs.
List of Patient’s Problems and Prioritization:
Persistent headaches and fatigue
Sleep disturbances and early awakenings
Lack of interest in activities and decreased concentration
Frequent crying spells and weight loss
Worries about losing children
Diagnosis to be Considered: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Rationale for Diagnosis: The patient’s symptoms of persistent headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, lack of interest in activities, decreased concentration, frequent crying spells, weight loss, and worries about losing children are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as outlined in the DSM-5. These symptoms, when taken together, suggest that the patient may be experiencing a major depressive episode.
Differential Diagnosis to be Considered:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Bipolar Disorder
Substance abuse
Chronic medical illness
Screening Tools to be Considered:
Depression Rating Scales, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) or the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
Sleep diary to assess the patient’s sleep patterns
Physical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions
Treatment:
For the treatment of MDD, a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology is often recommended.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of MDD. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, while IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication skills.
Psychopharmacology: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of MDD. Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are examples of SSRIs and SNRIs.
Standard Guidelines:
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also provides guidelines for the management of depression in primary care. These guidelines provide recommendations for the use of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology in the treatment of MDD and can be used to inform the management of this patient.
In conclusion, the patient’s symptoms suggest that she may be experiencing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and a comprehensive Assessment, including screening tools and physical examination, is recommended to rule out any underlying medical conditions. A combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology is the recommended treatment approach, and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines can inform the management of this patient.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5
