DEPRESSION
This symptom must be present for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
What is depressed mood OR anhedonia?
This symptom clearly differentiates mania from anxiety.
What is decreased need for sleep without fatigue?
The most direct and appropriate suicide assessment question:
What is “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”?
Best communication technique for a depressed patient:
What is open-ended questioning?
First-line medications for depression:
What are SSRIs?
A patient reports increased sleep, weight gain, and craving carbohydrates.
What is atypical depression?
A patient is extremely irritable, loud, and impulsive rather than euphoric.
What is mania (irritable presentation)?
This is the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts.
What is previous suicide attempt?
A patient states, “I feel worthless.” Best response:
What is “Tell me more about that”?
These medications require dietary restrictions to avoid hypertensive crisis:
What are MAOIs?
Slowed movement, delayed speech, and decreased responsiveness are known as:
What is psychomotor retardation?
This is the key difference between mania and hypomania.
What is severity and need for hospitalization?
A patient has a plan, means, and intent. This level of risk is:
What is high/imminent suicide risk?
A manic patient becomes argumentative and loud.
What is set firm, calm limits?
This class of medications is used as mood stabilizers in bipolar disorder:
What are anticonvulsants?
A patient denies suicidal thoughts but says goodbye to family and gives away belongings.
What is high suicide risk?
A manic patient is pacing and not eating. What is the priority intervention?
What is provide high-calorie finger foods?
The required nursing intervention for highest suicide risk:
What is 1:1 observation?
A depressed patient cannot make simple decisions.
What is assist with decision-making?
This therapy helps patients change negative thinking patterns:
What is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)?
This is the most life-threatening symptom in depression requiring immediate priority.
What is suicidal ideation?
A manic patient refuses sleep and becomes increasingly agitated.
What is implement structure and promote rest?
A depressed patient suddenly becomes calm and peaceful.
What is possible decision to commit suicide?
This is the MOST effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression:
What is ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)?
A patient on antidepressants suddenly has increased energy but still depressed mood.
What is increased suicide risk (energy before mood improves)?