Depression

Question 1

A patient can be diagnosed with depression if they have previously had an episode of mania. T/F?

Answer 1

False

Question 2

What is Cotard’s Syndrome?

Answer 2

When a person experiences nihilistic delusions

Believes some of their internal organs are missing or that their soul is dead

Question 3

To get a diagnosis of depression, patients must have at least 2 of the core symptoms along with at least 4 others. List the 3 core symptoms

Answer 3

MEE

• Depressed mood (at least 2 weeks)
• Loss of interest/excitment
• Reduced energy levels

Question 4

What is the diagnostic difference between moderate and severe depression?

Answer 4

Mod: 2 core + at least 4 others (6 total)
Severe: 3 core + at least 5 others (8 total)

Question 5

Drug management is not recommended for mild depression however it is for moderate-severe. What is the first line drug and what is it’s MOA?

Answer 5

Fluoxetine - SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake i)

- increases the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft