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NU 646 Comprehensive Case Study: Week 7
Amber LaZelle
School of Nursing: Regis College
NUR646: Theories and Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies
Dr. Stephanie Gaines
February 19, 2023
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NU 646 Comprehensive Case Study: Week 7
Introduction and Differential Diagnoses
Denise is a 37-year-old Black Latino female returning for a follow up visit. Since her last
visit sixteen months ago, she has had another baby. She has been referred for outpatient therapy
for symptoms of severe depression. She has been experiencing emotional symptoms since she
was pregnant. Further investigation into her signs and symptoms shall be the focus of this case
study.
Differential Diagnosis List
1. Major Depressive Disorder with Peripartum onset: 296.33 (F33.3)
2. Separation Anxiety Disorder: 309.21
3. Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with delusional beliefs: 300.3 (F42)
Rationale; Pertinent Positive, Negatives, DSM5 Criteria
Major Depressive Disorder with peripartum onset specifier can begin early; however, the
duration after pregnancy is variable with “most recent episodes of major depression if onset of
mood symptoms occurs during pregnancy or in the 4 weeks following delivery” (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 186). During her therapy session she stated she did not have
any complications per say but she noted she was “more emotional this pregnancy but is unsure
why” (D. Hampton, personal communication, February 18, 2023). She meets the criteria of
major depressive disorder meeting at least five symptoms including loss of interest in being a
mother, depressed mood as evidenced by feeling hopeless, fatigue, persistent tiredness, and guilt
because she has not returned to her pre-pregnancy self. The American Psychiatric Association
(2013) noted that perinatal women experiencing major depressive disorder symptoms tend to
suffer from severe anxiety and even panic attacks.
NU 646 Comprehensive Case Study: Week 7
Amber LaZelle
School of Nursing: Regis College
NUR646: Theories and Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies
Dr. Stephanie Gaines
February 19, 2023
, 2
NU 646 Comprehensive Case Study: Week 7
Introduction and Differential Diagnoses
Denise is a 37-year-old Black Latino female returning for a follow up visit. Since her last
visit sixteen months ago, she has had another baby. She has been referred for outpatient therapy
for symptoms of severe depression. She has been experiencing emotional symptoms since she
was pregnant. Further investigation into her signs and symptoms shall be the focus of this case
study.
Differential Diagnosis List
1. Major Depressive Disorder with Peripartum onset: 296.33 (F33.3)
2. Separation Anxiety Disorder: 309.21
3. Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with delusional beliefs: 300.3 (F42)
Rationale; Pertinent Positive, Negatives, DSM5 Criteria
Major Depressive Disorder with peripartum onset specifier can begin early; however, the
duration after pregnancy is variable with “most recent episodes of major depression if onset of
mood symptoms occurs during pregnancy or in the 4 weeks following delivery” (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 186). During her therapy session she stated she did not have
any complications per say but she noted she was “more emotional this pregnancy but is unsure
why” (D. Hampton, personal communication, February 18, 2023). She meets the criteria of
major depressive disorder meeting at least five symptoms including loss of interest in being a
mother, depressed mood as evidenced by feeling hopeless, fatigue, persistent tiredness, and guilt
because she has not returned to her pre-pregnancy self. The American Psychiatric Association
(2013) noted that perinatal women experiencing major depressive disorder symptoms tend to
suffer from severe anxiety and even panic attacks.
