Mnemonic for depression symptoms
SIGECAPS
Greatest risk
Suicide
Most therapeutic intervention
Offering self
First-line meds
: SSRIs
Smiling ≠
Recovery
Required duration
2 weeks
High-risk treatment phase
Early improvement
Nursing goal early in care
Build Trust
Onset time
4-6 Weeks
Advice-giving is
Non-therapeutic
Loss of pleasure
Anhedonia
Behavioral suicide indicator
Behavioral suicide indicator
Functional priority
ADLs
Why suicide risk increases early
Energy before mood
“Cheer up” response is
Wrong
Energy change seen
Fatigue
Why energy return is dangerous
Ability to act
Best initial outcome measure
Eating and bathing
Teaching priority
Don’t stop abruptly
Sleep alone indicates
Incomplete recovery
Diagnostic hallmark
Functional impairment
Priority assessment
Suicide Risk
Priority over mood reports
Safety
Med + therapy benefit
Best outcomes
Core NCLEX rule
Function > feelings