Caring For a Patient with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

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Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by the presence of one or more major depressive episodes (MDE) without a history of manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes. Episodes of substance induced mood disorder and mood disorder due to a general medical condition do not count toward a diagnosis of MDD nor do episodes that may be better accounted for by schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified. A MDE is defined by a period of at least two weeks during which an individual either experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. Additionally, a diagnosis of a MDE must involve at least four symptoms derived from a list which includes: changes in appetite or weight, sleep, and psychomotor activity; decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt; difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts. Over the course of at least two weeks, the symptoms must occur for most of day, nearly every day. Lastly, the MDE must be accompanied by clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. It is estimated that each year nearly 7% of adults will experience MDD. MDD affects individuals of all ages and has an average age of onset of 32 years. MDD affects significantly more women than men, with women being 70% more likely to develop MDD than men (Nation Institute of Mental Health, n.d). MDD is of importance to healthcare providers as it is associated with a number of general medi...

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...ack, I realize that this simple action would have helped to further convey my respect for the patient. Another action that I did not perform at the beginning of the interaction was to properly outline the length of the therapeutic relationship. I was successful in outlining the time frame that I hoped to spend conversing with the patient however I failed to mention that I would only on the unit for one day each week. I did share this information with the patient at the end of our conversation however I feel that it would have been more appropriate to divulge this information at the beginning of our conversation. Recognizing both my strengths and weaknesses during my interaction with the patient will help me to make positive changes in the future and further augment my therapeutic communication skills and thus help me to become a caring and competent nurse.

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