Female (38-year-old) reports persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness for the past 6 months. Patient describes mood as 'down' and 'heavy'.
Data: The patient is a 38-year-old female who has reported feelings of sadness and hopelessness for the past 6 months. She describes her mood as 'down' and 'heavy'. She has been having difficulty sleeping and has lost interest in activities she used to enjoy. There have been no reported changes in her appetite. The patient has a history of depression in her family, with her mother having had similar symptoms. She has no history of substance abuse or suicidal ideation. She is currently employed and reports that her work performance has been affected by her mood.
Assessment: The patient’s symptoms meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Her persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping, and family history are all indicative of MDD. The patient's mood and the impact on her work performance also suggest a moderate severity level of the disorder.
Plan: Begin a course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help the patient manage her symptoms and improve her mood. CBT will help her understand and manage her thought patterns and how they relate to her feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Recommend starting the patient on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine or sertraline, to help improve her mood and regulate her sleep. Schedule a follow-up appointment in two weeks to assess the patient's response to therapy and medication. Also, encourage the patient to engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet as these can also help manage her symptoms. This plan is to be followed while monitoring the patient closely for any side effects of medication or increases in suicidal ideation.