Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) ( 20 Questions)

A client is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. They also report significant weight loss and insomnia. The nurse suspects the client may have:


Correct Answer: C

Choice A rationale:

Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of both elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes. The scenario describes persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia, which are characteristic symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) but not necessarily indicative of bipolar disorder.

Choice B rationale:

An adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise within three months of experiencing a stressor (e.g., a major life change or event). The persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia described in the scenario are beyond the typical time frame for an adjustment disorder.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in weight or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. The client's symptoms align closely with the diagnostic criteria for MDD.

Choice D rationale:

A normal response to stress usually involves transient feelings of sadness or anxiety in response to a stressor. However, the client's symptoms of persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia are indicative of a more serious and prolonged condition like major depressive disorder (MDD).




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