The patient is a 26-year-old college graduate who is currently euthymic but who has a history of major depressive episodes
psychology
Description
Instructions
Patient Intake and History
The patient is a 26-year-old college graduate who is currently euthymic but who has a history of major depressive episodes He has experienced major depressive episodes, mostly untreated, of varying lengths and severities since he was a teenager His symptoms have included insomnia, despondent thoughts, depressed mood, low interest in activities, poor energy, and impaired cognition He says his self-esteem drops and he feels rejection-sensitive and guilt-ridden for no apparent reason He has never had suicidal thoughts Some of the depressive episodes have been incapacitating and have interfered with school and work
He appears to have good inter-episode recovery and is able to return to class and work
The patient also has symptoms of social anxiety
He is often nervous around new people and acquaintances
He experiences anticipatory anxiety and will avoid certain social events
These symptoms are present regardless of his affective state
He has asked for a consultation because he has legal issues regarding drinking and driving that he thinks were likely fueled by his psychiatric symptoms
At the time of the infraction (several months ago, just before graduating college), he had been started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the depression and SAD symptoms
Within days of starting he experienced elevated mood in a sustained fashion over several days
He lost all anxiety, fear, and avoidance
He was unusually talkative; had racing thoughts; was distractible, hyperactive, and impulsive; and had decreased need for sleep
