A 28-year-old woman presents with depressed mood lasting for most days of the week for the past month. She also mentions that she has lost her appetite for the past 3 weeks. She adds that her job performance has significantly deteriorated because of these symptoms, and she feels like she will have to quit her job soon. Upon asking about her hobbies, she says that she used to enjoy dancing and music but does not have any desire to do them anymore. The patient’s husband says that she has had many sleepless nights last month. The patient denies any history of smoking, alcohol intake, or use of illicit substances. No significant past medical history. Physical examination is unremarkable. Routine laboratory tests are all within normal limits. Which of the following clinical features must be present, in addition to this patient’s current symptoms, to confirm the diagnosis of a major depressive episode?
AIntense fear of losing control
BLack of concentration
CWeight loss
DAnterograde amnesia
ENightmares
A mental health volunteer is interviewing locals as part of a community outreach program. A 46-year-old man discloses that he has felt sad for as long as he can remember. He feels as though his life is cursed and if something terrible can happen to him, it usually will. He has difficulty making decisions and feels hopeless. He also feels that he has had worsening suicidal ideations, guilt from past problems, decreased energy, and poor concentration over the past 2 weeks. He is otherwise getting enough sleep and able to hold a job. Which of the following statement best describes this patient's condition?
AThe patient may have symptoms of mania or psychosis.
BThe patient is likely to show anhedonia.
CThe patient likely has paranoid personality disorder.
DThe patient has double depression.
EThe patient should be started on an SSRI.
A 24-year-old male comes into the psychiatric clinic complaining of consistent sadness. He endorses feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and anhedonia for the past couple months but denies feeling suicidal. He further denies any past episodes of feeling overly energetic with racing thoughts. Confident of the diagnosis, you recommend frequent talk therapy along with a long-term prescription of a known first-line medication for this disorder. What is the drug and what are some of the most frequently encountered side effects?
ASelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; hypomania, suicidal thoughts
BTricyclic antidepressants; hypomania, suicidal thoughts
CSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; anorgasmia, insomnia
DMonoamine oxidase inhibitors; Orthostatic hypotension, weight gain
ETricyclic antidepressants; Orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects
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