Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

CHAPTER 12 Mental Health^459


PROGNOSIS


Proper treatment can help control the symptoms of depression. Adequate treatment
can cause remission of symptoms. It is not unusual for there to be a recurrence of
symptoms at some point in the future, even with appropriate treatment.


HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS



  • Intense feeling of sadness

  • Depressed mood

  • Anhedonia (loss of interest in usual activities)

  • Hopelessness or worthlessness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Indecision

  • Changes in sleep (more or less than usual), eating (more or less than usual),
    and activity (more or less than usual)

  • Social withdrawal and isolation

  • Decreased libido

  • Thoughts of death

  • Physical complaints include headache, malaise, decreased libido, and changes
    in sleep, activity, and eating


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • Diagnostic testing results normal, unless co-existing disease present.


TREATMENT



  • Ask patient about suicidal thoughts.

  • Ask patient about suicidal plan.

  • Psychotherapy.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

  • Support groups.

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