DEPRESSION Flashcards
How does a depressed patient present?
Sad mood, most of the day, nearly every day. Weight loss. Diminished interests. Fatigue/loss of energy. Worthlessness. Insomnia/hypersomnia. Indecisiveness/decreased concentration
How long must someone’s symptoms of depression present?
2 week period
What are the classifications of depression?
Depressive disorder
Dysthymia
Subsyndromal depression
Major depression
Single episode recurrent
When does major depressive disorder often present in women?
Between onset of menstruation & menopause
What is critical with treating a depressed patient?
Follow-up!
What’s the goal of treatment for a depressed patient?
Remission
How does a patient with psychotic depression present?
Present with delusions! Not hallucinations
What differentials do you need to consider when evaluating someone with depression?
Psychiatric (delusions); general medical (hypothyroidism, post-CVA); substance-related (alcohol abuse, cocaine/amphetamine withdrawal, Rx meds)
a person with depression is more likely to develop what?
CAD or an MI
In general, before diagnosing someone with depression, what must we do?
Rule out any other chronic health conditions (diabetes, CV, and chronic pain)
What does ever drug that treats depression do pathophysiologically?
Produces a downregulation of post-synaptic beta-receptors
What are some relative contraindications to electroconvulsive therapy?
Recent MI, berry aneurysm, brain mass, and increased intracranial pressure
What are 2 great questions to screen patients?
In the past two week = have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless? Have you felt little or pleasure in doing things?
What are 2 screening tools can you use to screen for depression?
QIDS & PHQ-9
What acronym can we use for the sxs of depression?
SIGECAPS
Changes in: Sleep pattern, interests, guilt, energy, concentration, appetite, suicide, and psychomotor symptoms
