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Chapter 14: Problem 5

Fill in the blank. Choose from: bulimia nervosa; anorexia nervosa; seasonal affective disorder (SAD); persistent depressive disorder bipolar disorder; major depressive disorder; cyclothymic disorder. Mena, a 19 -year-old college student, has missed almost all her classes during the last month. She sleeps 14 hours a day, has withdrawn from friends and family, feels worthless, and cries for no apparent reason. Mena is most likely suffering from

Short Answer

Expert verified
Mena is most likely suffering from Major Depressive Disorder.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Symptoms

Mena is experiencing the following symptoms: 1. Sleeping 14 hours a day 2. Withdrawing from friends and family 3. Feeling worthless 4. Crying for no apparent reason
02

Analyze the Disorders

Let's briefly examine each disorder to understand which one aligns with Mena's symptoms: 1. Anorexia nervosa: This eating disorder is characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, which would not include Mena's symptoms. 2. Bulimia nervosa: Another eating disorder typified by binge eating followed by purging to avoid weight gain, also not matching Mena's symptoms. 3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression that occurs during certain seasons, typically winter months. Although some symptoms like increased sleep and withdrawal might match, this does not seem to be the most appropriate choice. 4. Persistent Depressive Disorder: A form of long-lasting, mild depression with symptoms such as sadness and lack of interest, which does not precisely match Mena's symptoms. 5. Bipolar Disorder: A disorder marked by extreme mood swings between mania and depression. Mena's symptoms could align with the depressive phase, but no mention of mania is present. 6. Major Depressive Disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or interest in activities. Mena's symptoms are more closely aligned with this disorder. 7. Cyclothymic Disorder: A mood disorder with moderate mood swings, which is not as severe as bipolar disorder. Mena's symptoms seem more severe than cyclothymic disorder.
03

Choose the Most Likely Disorder

Based on Mena's symptoms and the analysis of the potential psychological disorders, the most likely diagnosis for Mena is: Major Depressive Disorder

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Psychological Disorders
Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, represent a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. They can be challenging to understand due to their complex nature and the way they manifest differently in each individual.

These conditions include various forms of depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, and more. Psychological disorders can significantly impair a person's ability to function day-to-day and maintain relationships, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Understanding psychological disorders is crucial for removing stigma and providing support to those affected. It is also essential in educational settings, workplaces, and broader society, as it promotes empathy and appropriate accommodations for individuals struggling with these conditions.
Diagnosing Depression
Diagnosing depression involves a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Depression is not just a bout of sadness; it's a persistent condition that requires medical attention. A diagnosis is typically reached through clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and sometimes, physical examinations to rule out other conditions.

Diagnosticians will often use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which specifies symptoms, duration, and the impact on one's work and social life that collectively suggest a depressive disorder. It's vital for the process to be meticulous to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care and intervention.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests through a variety of signs and symptoms that can profoundly impact a person's life. Recognizable symptoms include a depressed mood most of the day, markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, restlessness, or slowed behavior.

Additional symptoms may involve feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. It's important to note that the presence of several of these symptoms, persisting for at least two weeks, can indicate major depressive disorder. Understanding these symptoms can prompt individuals to seek help earlier and improve outcomes with timely intervention.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Match each example below with one of the following disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Harry disinfects his shoes, clothing, floor, and doorknobs with bleach several times a day. Never theless, he is tormented by worries that his apartment may be contaminated by germs from outside. He doesn't allow anyone to come into his apartment for fear they will contaminate his furniture and belongings.

Fill in the blank. Choose from: bulimia nervosa; anorexia nervosa; seasonal affective disorder (SAD); persistent depressive disorder bipolar disorder; major depressive disorder; cyclothymic disorder. since moving to Fairbanks, Alaska, five years ago, Jon has experienced episodes of depression during the fall and winter months. Jon may be experiencing

Match each example below with one of the following disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Esperanza had just entered the lobby of the World Trade Center in New York City when the building was hit by a jetliner on \(9 / 11\). Years later, she has frequent headaches and is awakened several times each week by horrifying nightmares of bodies falling from the sky. She dreads the sounds of sirens or planes overhead, and cannot stop thinking about the horrifying sights she saw as she ran from the burning building.

Match each example below with one of the following disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alayna worries about everything and can never relax. She is very jumpy, has trouble sleeping at night, and has a poor appetite. For the last few months, her anxiety has become so extreme that she is unable to concentrate at work, and she is in danger of losing her job.

Match each example below with one of the following disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Carl cannot bear to be in small, enclosed places, such as elevators, and goes to great lengths to avoid them. Recently he turned down a high-paying job with an air-conditioning repair company because it involved working in crawl spaces.
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