Depression

Mental Health "Psychiatric Care"

Pathophysiology

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) also called clinical depression is when a client experiences a severe depressed mood,
loss of enjoyment in life, low energy & few other critical signs and symptoms. Everything is low & slow, it is thought to
be from low levels of neurotransmitters within the brain.
O

Serotonin N O

Neurotransmitters O

Low Serotonin O

Dopamine
Blah... Low Dopamine N O

Low Norepinephrine N

Norepinephrine N N

Risk Factors
ATI Question
a risk factor for depression?
Stressful life event
Stressful life events
Chronic illness
Genetics: Family history KAPLAN Question
recently become unemployed and the
Female client reports feeling depressed. The nurse
Substance abuse disorders understands which statement to be true?
unemployment is a significant
potential stressor

Signs & Symptoms

HESI Question
Q1: “Life just doesn’t have any joy in it
Diagnosis: 5 or more symptoms anymore. Things I once did for pleasure
aren’t fun.”
1. Depressed mood Anhedonia
Diagnosis
(hopeless, empty) Q2: Which complaint regarding sleep
2. Anhedonia HESI & ATI would the nurse expect from a patient

5/9 symptoms
MDD? diagnosed with major depression?
(loss of joy/ interest in life)
I wake up about 4 am and cannot go
3. Weight loss (anorexia) or Wt. Gain back to sleep. I feel tired all the time
4. Psychomotor retardation NCLEX TIP
Slower speech, response time, ATI Question
& Decreased movement A nurse is assessing an adolescent who has
5. Insomnia depression. Which of the following findings
or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) should the nurse expect?
Select all that apply.
6. Fatigue (Anergia)
Irritability Anhedonia
7. Feelings of worthlessness or Guilt Anergia Appetite changes
8. Difficulty concentration
9. Suicidal thoughts (Recurrent)
TOP Missed NCLEX QUESTION
Which of the following pediatric clients
Side Note Pediatrics: should the nurse screen for depression?
Select all that apply. 4 weeks
Adolescents 10 - 19 years NCLEX TIP
10 year old taking frequent naps
Angry, aggressive outbursts & during class time
vandalism / skipping class 16 year old quit the chess team
despite being the team captain
Weight loss or gain “suddenly” “rapidly”
14 year old sent home from school due 48.2
kg

Napping during day to angry outbursts & skipping class

17 year old suddenly lost 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Low self-esteem (withdrawal)
in 4 weeks