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.