Episode Details

A PMHNP student is reviewing his notes from his clinical experience over the past week to prepare his first required case presentation on a patient suffering a major depressive episode. Which of the following patients best represents the DSM-V criteria for major depressive episode?  

A. A 27-year-old female with a one-month history of social withdrawal, anorexia, hypersomnia, unprovoked outbursts of anger, and a strong family history of endogenous depression  

B. A 41-year-old male with a history of childhood sexual abuse, loss of interest in both his professional and personal life, an unplanned 10 lb weight loss in the last 3 months, and perceptual disturbances  

C. A 65-year-old male whose wife died 6 months ago who reports a 3-week history of generally depressed mood, extreme guilt about his wife’s death, insomnia, difficulty focusing on daily tasks, with increasing thoughts of dying  

D. A 72-year-old female who just relocated across country to live with her adult son and daughter-in-law who is despondent about leaving her home and reports forgetfulness, loss of appetite, new onset bowel problems, and extreme loss of energy