Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on diagnosing depression. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
During the review of the electronic health record (EHR), the nurse notes that the patient is reporting anhedonia, among other depressive symptoms. The healthcare provider writes in the progress note that they suspect the patient has depressive disorder.
Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria, which additional finding supports this diagnosis?
A. At least one depressive episode that lasted for at least two weeks
B. A hypomanic episode that lasted for several months
C. Stable mood fluctuations between episodes of depression
D. A hypomanic episode which lasted for several weeks
Scroll down for the correct answer!
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. At least one depressive episode that lasted for at least two weeks
Rationale: To be diagnosed with a depressive disorder, patients must have at least one depressive episode that lasts for at least two weeks as well as five depressive symptoms, one of which should be either depressed mood or anhedonia.
Main Takeaway
The diagnosis of mood disorders is based on detailed history and physical assessment. Particular attention should be given to the evaluation of suicidal thoughts. Diagnosis is confirmed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria, which is a set of diagnostic criteria indicating the symptoms that must be present to diagnose a mental health condition.
Based on the DSM-5 criteria, mood disorders can be categorized into two broad groups, which include depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. To diagnose a depressive disorder, the patient must experience at least one depressive episode that lasts for at least two weeks and includes five depressive symptoms, one of which should be either depressed mood or anhedonia. Depressive disorders include major depressive disorder, a major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern; major depressive disorder with psychotic features; major depressive disorder with peripartum onset; depression with atypical features, and persistent depressive disorder.
To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the patient must present at least one manic or hypomanic episode, which tends to last for several weeks or months. Typically, these episodes fluctuate with depressive episodes, and in between, the patient may even have periods of remission and stable mood.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
B. A hypomanic episode that lasted for several months
Rationale: Patients with at least one manic or hypomanic episode lasting for several months meet the DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, not depression.
C. Stable mood fluctuations between episodes of depression
Rationale: Stable mood fluctuations between episodes of depression are not associated with a depressive disorder. However, for patients with bipolar disorder, manic episodes fluctuate with depressive episodes.
D. A hypomanic episode which lasted for several weeks
Rationale: A hypomanic episode that lasts for several weeks or months is a diagnostic criterion for bipolar disorder, not depression.
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