Diagnosing Mood Disorders
Western Wyoming Community College
Tani Larsen
Approximately 20.9 million American adults suffer from a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder each year (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, DBSA). This is an alarming statistic. With there being that many people suffering, it should be more well-known and discussed. Depression is one disorder that is talked about a lot. However, the severity and frequency is often overlooked. Bipolar disorder is very serious and should be discussed more so everyone is familiar with the symptoms and diagnostic criteria. The DSM is the system used to diagnose psychiatric disorders. That is what will be used to diagnose the following three case; Pierre, Alia, and Rahim.
Pierre is a very successful corporate lawyer who is usually outgoing and friendly. However, he has been feeling extremely sad lately. Pierre does not want to participate the activities that he used to enjoy anymore. Those who know Pierre are concerned about his wellbeing. Pierre is showing the classic signs of depression. According to the DSM, Pierre is suffering from a major depressive episode. The characteristics of which are; for a 2-week period the person shows increased depressed mood and loss of interest in activities, and for the same period experiences 3 or 4 other symptoms, and are experiencing significant distress (Comer, 2015). We do not know how long Pierre has been feeling this way, yet it was not mentioned so one can assume it has not been going on for a long time. The additional symptoms Pierre is showing are feelings of hopelessness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and fatigue. Pierre is obviously significantly distressed. He is hopeless about his life and future, and is having a hard time function on a daily basis. That is the very definition of depression (Behavenet). Alia is a real-estate lawyer who has always been driven, and it shows in her successful career. While being driven takes a good amount of energy, Alia seems to have nonstop energy lately. She has taken on a lot more cases, and goes 3 or 4 days without any sleep. Even through her lack of sleep, Alia doesn’t have any problems functioning and is still full of energy. Alia is suffering from Bipolar I Disorder. The DSM’s classification for this is they must show irritable mood or increased activity and at least three other symptoms for at least a week (Comer, 2015). Alia is showing a reduced need for sleep, …show more content…
He has a family that loves him very much and he has every reason to enjoy his life. However, that does not seem to happen. Rahim does not have a healthy self-image. He feels as if he has not excelled in his career due to his procrastination and inability to concentrate. Rahim is suffering from persistent depressive disorder. Which is described as; “a depressive disorder that fails to resolve spontaneously over time” (Behavenet, 2015). In order to be classified as persistent depressive disorder, the person has to suffer from the symptoms for at least 2 years with no history of mania and have significant distress. Rahim does not sleep well and struggles to have energy to make it through the day. He does not have hope for the future and is worried that he might even get worse someday. All of these things signify that Rahim undoubtedly suffers from persistent depressive
Western Wyoming Community College
Tani Larsen
Approximately 20.9 million American adults suffer from a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder each year (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, DBSA). This is an alarming statistic. With there being that many people suffering, it should be more well-known and discussed. Depression is one disorder that is talked about a lot. However, the severity and frequency is often overlooked. Bipolar disorder is very serious and should be discussed more so everyone is familiar with the symptoms and diagnostic criteria. The DSM is the system used to diagnose psychiatric disorders. That is what will be used to diagnose the following three case; Pierre, Alia, and Rahim.
Pierre is a very successful corporate lawyer who is usually outgoing and friendly. However, he has been feeling extremely sad lately. Pierre does not want to participate the activities that he used to enjoy anymore. Those who know Pierre are concerned about his wellbeing. Pierre is showing the classic signs of depression. According to the DSM, Pierre is suffering from a major depressive episode. The characteristics of which are; for a 2-week period the person shows increased depressed mood and loss of interest in activities, and for the same period experiences 3 or 4 other symptoms, and are experiencing significant distress (Comer, 2015). We do not know how long Pierre has been feeling this way, yet it was not mentioned so one can assume it has not been going on for a long time. The additional symptoms Pierre is showing are feelings of hopelessness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and fatigue. Pierre is obviously significantly distressed. He is hopeless about his life and future, and is having a hard time function on a daily basis. That is the very definition of depression (Behavenet). Alia is a real-estate lawyer who has always been driven, and it shows in her successful career. While being driven takes a good amount of energy, Alia seems to have nonstop energy lately. She has taken on a lot more cases, and goes 3 or 4 days without any sleep. Even through her lack of sleep, Alia doesn’t have any problems functioning and is still full of energy. Alia is suffering from Bipolar I Disorder. The DSM’s classification for this is they must show irritable mood or increased activity and at least three other symptoms for at least a week (Comer, 2015). Alia is showing a reduced need for sleep, …show more content…
He has a family that loves him very much and he has every reason to enjoy his life. However, that does not seem to happen. Rahim does not have a healthy self-image. He feels as if he has not excelled in his career due to his procrastination and inability to concentrate. Rahim is suffering from persistent depressive disorder. Which is described as; “a depressive disorder that fails to resolve spontaneously over time” (Behavenet, 2015). In order to be classified as persistent depressive disorder, the person has to suffer from the symptoms for at least 2 years with no history of mania and have significant distress. Rahim does not sleep well and struggles to have energy to make it through the day. He does not have hope for the future and is worried that he might even get worse someday. All of these things signify that Rahim undoubtedly suffers from persistent depressive