There are several different types of depression. However, the type that most people are unaware of is Dysthymia. This type of depression is much milder than a Major Depressive Episode. Let’s look at a couple of examples and have our first lesson on depression:
1.Mr. X is a 34 year-old male who has had two weeks of a low mood, suicidal thoughts, guilty feelings, insomnia, lack of interest in everything and low to no energy. What is his diagnosis?
- Dysthymia
- Major Depressive Episode
- Bipolar Disorder
2. Which of the following would be an effective initial treatment for this disorder?
- Prozac
- Xanax
- Lithium
3. Ms. L has been fighting sadness for about 2.5 years. She has some guilty feelings, overeats occasionally and has a low mood. What is her diagnosis?
- Dysthymia
- Major Depressive Episode
- Bipolar II Disorder
4. Which is the most effective initial treatment for this disorder?
- Supportive Psychotherapy
- Prozac
- Haloperidol
*The answers will be published in the next post.
