What condition is Ty likely worried that Maria is suffering from? What risk factors does Maria have for this condition? What are the five major characteristics of this condition? How do you know from the vignette if/how Maria is experiencing these characteristics (i.e., identify which part of the vignette illustrates or does not illustrate each characteristic)?
Maria may be suffering from depression, with risk factors being older age and widowhood. She exhibits the five major characteristics of depression: a depressed mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
Risk Factors and Characteristics of Depression
Risk Factors: Maria's risk factors for depression include older age and being widowed. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation and sadness, which are common precursors to depression.
Characteristics of Depression:
1. Depressed Mood: Maria has been described as more apathetic and pessimistic than usual.
2. Loss of Interest: Maria is neglecting household tasks, indicating a loss of interest in activities she once enjoyed.
3. Changes in Appetite: Maria has been eating less than normal, which is a common symptom of depression.
4. Sleep Disturbances: Maria has been waking up early and having trouble getting back to sleep, indicating disrupted sleep patterns.
5. Difficulty Concentrating: Maria forgets to do tasks, suggesting difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
From the vignette, we can see that Maria is clearly experiencing these characteristics of depression. Her behavior aligns with the symptoms associated with the condition, highlighting the need for assessment and intervention.
Dr. McAuley agrees to see Maria and conduct an assessment, with her consent. What will Dr. McAuley likely do as part of this assessment (i.e., what are the methods of assessment that would be appropriate for Maria)?
Assessment would likely involve clinical interviews, inventories, and collateral information.
Assessment Methods for Depression
Clinical Interviews: Dr. McAuley will likely conduct a detailed interview with Maria to gather information about her symptoms, history, and daily functioning.
Inventories: Dr. McAuley may use standardized questionnaires or inventories like the Beck Depression Inventory or Geriatric Depression Scale to assess the severity of Maria's symptoms.
Collateral Information: Dr. McAuley might also seek information from family members, like Ty, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Maria's condition.
By utilizing these assessment methods, Dr. McAuley can gather relevant information to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for Maria's depression.