Case Study: Depression

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Case Study: Depression Answer Sheet Ellen: Depression and Suicidality Student Name: Michelle Miller Diagnosing Ellen 1a. Refer to the DSM-IV checklist and list all symptoms that Ellen has that match the criteria for major depressive episode. Which of Ellen's symptoms meet any of the criteria? (Be sure to match specific symptoms with specific criteria.) |Along with feeling sad for the last month, Ellen has also had a decreased appetite and insomnia. She mentioned that while her | |relationship with her daughter is good, she feels that her daughter would not mind if she “checked out and she has had bad luck with | |social relationships. Saying she “has nothing to live for” shows me Ellen is feeling worthless. Ellen also has been experiencing | |recurring guilt over not spending more time with her mother. There have been suicidal thoughts as well as a plan. She mentioned knowing | |how to use a gun and wanting to buy a bigger gun because of the rumors that the gun she owns would probably not successfully kill her. | |She even has a plan as to where the suicide would take place. | 1b. Can Ellen be said to be suffering from a major depressive disorder? |Yes, Ellen can be said to be suffering from a major depressive disorder. | 1c. Explain and defend your diagnoses or lack thereof. |Ellen meets at least five of the DSM-IV checklist criteria for major depressive disorder and has had the symptoms for about a month. She| |has the presence of a major depressive episode and has had no history of manic or hypomanic episode. | 2. Where does Ellen fit with Shneidman’s taxonomy of people who intentionally end their lives? |Ellen would be seen

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