Week 3 Case Study
Walden University
NURS - 6630N Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology
, 2
Case Study
A 32-year-old Hispanic American male was referred for treatment after complaints of
depression. Organic basis for depression was ruled out by his PCP. He currently works as a
laborer in a warehouse. The client came to the U.S. with his father while still in high school. His
mother passed away in Mexico while he was still in school. He has lost interest in usual activities
and has gained 15 pounds in the past two months. He has had insomnia for the past six months
that is getting progressively worse. His poor concentration is getting him in “trouble” at work.
The patient is alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. He admits to having
feelings of depression. He denies auditory or visual hallucinations. He is not having any
delusions or paranoid thought processes. He denies suicidal or homicidal ideation and his
judgement and insight are grossly intact. A score of 51 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression
Rating Scale (MADRS) indicates severe depression.
Major Depressive Disorder
Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities for a period of at least two
weeks is the essential feature of major depressive disorder. At least four additional symptoms
from the following list must be experienced: changes in appetite or weight, sleep, and
psychomotor activity, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking,
concentrating, or making decisions, or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation or suicide
plans or attempts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These symptoms must be present for
most of the day, nearly every day for a period of at least two weeks and cause significant social
or occupational impairment or distress. Based on the patients signs and symptoms, he meets the
criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Walden University
NURS - 6630N Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology
, 2
Case Study
A 32-year-old Hispanic American male was referred for treatment after complaints of
depression. Organic basis for depression was ruled out by his PCP. He currently works as a
laborer in a warehouse. The client came to the U.S. with his father while still in high school. His
mother passed away in Mexico while he was still in school. He has lost interest in usual activities
and has gained 15 pounds in the past two months. He has had insomnia for the past six months
that is getting progressively worse. His poor concentration is getting him in “trouble” at work.
The patient is alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. He admits to having
feelings of depression. He denies auditory or visual hallucinations. He is not having any
delusions or paranoid thought processes. He denies suicidal or homicidal ideation and his
judgement and insight are grossly intact. A score of 51 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression
Rating Scale (MADRS) indicates severe depression.
Major Depressive Disorder
Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities for a period of at least two
weeks is the essential feature of major depressive disorder. At least four additional symptoms
from the following list must be experienced: changes in appetite or weight, sleep, and
psychomotor activity, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking,
concentrating, or making decisions, or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation or suicide
plans or attempts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These symptoms must be present for
most of the day, nearly every day for a period of at least two weeks and cause significant social
or occupational impairment or distress. Based on the patients signs and symptoms, he meets the
criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
