Diagnosis of major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder

• Select a vulnerable patient from the list provided.
• Consider age, birth-assigned sex, FDA approvals, and risk and side-effect consideration.
• Select the most appropriate medication for your selected patient based upon the information provided.
• Review the textbook for commonly prescribed antidepressants, Fast Facts for Psychopharmacology for Nurse Practitioners.
• Conduct research through the FDA websiteLinks to an external site..
• Review prescriber information for professionals of the medications.

• Review national guidelines for prescribing for these vulnerable individuals:
o Depression Treatments for AdultsLinks to an external site.
o Depression Treatments for Older AdultsLinks to an external site.
o Depression Treatments for Children and AdolescentsLinks to an external site.

Step 1: Choose one of the following vulnerable patients to create a Medication Guide for the patient:
• Patient 1: 26-year-old female with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder who is increasing in isolation and poor self-care. She is in her third trimester of pregnancy.
• Patient 2: 16-year-old male with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, severe. He has seen a therapist weekly for the past 6 months and has had minimal change in symptoms. He has expressed thoughts of wanting to die.
• Patient 3: 72-year-old male with diagnosis of major depressive disorder and panic disorder. He has cardiac history and takes antihypertensive medications.
• Patient 4: 8-year-old Asian female with a diagnosis of severe depressive disorder presents to the office with a report of worsening symptoms. She has never taken psychotropic medication before.
Step 2: Create a Medication Guide for a patient. In your guide, you should provide the following specific instructions for the patient:
• Describe the chosen classification of medications, from the classification category, for your chosen vulnerable patient. Explain your rationale for your choice.
• Explain what dose you would start the chosen medication with and the frequency.
• Discuss how the medication works to treat their symptoms.
• Explain how long they should take the medication.

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

Patient: 72-year-old male with Major Depressive Disorder and Panic Disorder with a cardiac history taking antihypertensive medications.

Chosen Medication Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Rationale for Choice:

  • SSRIs are generally well-tolerated in older adults with fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants.
  • They are less likely to interact with other medications, which is important considering the patient’s existing cardiac medications.

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

  • SSRIs have shown effectiveness in treating both depression and anxiety disorders.

Starting Dose and Frequency:

  • A low dose of an SSRI, such as Sertraline (Zoloft®) 25mg, is recommended once daily to start.
  • This can be gradually increased by the doctor based on the patient’s response and tolerance.

How the Medication Works:

  • SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation and anxiety. By increasing serotonin levels, SSRIs can help improve symptoms of depression and panic disorder.

How Long to Take the Medication:

  • Treatment with SSRIs typically lasts for several months, even after symptoms improve. It’s important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by the doctor, even if you start to feel better.
  • This helps prevent a relapse of symptoms. The doctor will determine the optimal treatment duration based on the patient’s individual needs and response.

Important Considerations:

  • This medication guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
  • It is crucial to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, with the doctor before starting any new medication.
  • Some common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. These typically improve over time, but it’s important to inform the doctor if any side effects are bothersome.
  • It is important not to abruptly stop taking SSRIs. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. The doctor will develop a tapering plan to safely discontinue the medication if needed.

Resources:

 

This question has been answered.

Get Answer