Depression

What are the symtoms of Depression? According to the DSM-IV, 5 or more the following must be present (during the same 2-week period) to classify as a Major Depressive Episode:

• depressed mood almost all the time; feeling sad, empty; crying spells
• children and teens may express irritability
• diminished interest in hobbies and usual activities
• significant weight changes (gain or loss) at least 5% of body weight; appetite changes (increased or decreased)
• insomnia or hypersomnia
• psychomotor agitation or retardation (noticed by others)
• fatigue/loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness, and inappropriate guilt
• diminished ability to concentrate or make decisions (also can be noticed by others)
• any recurrent thoughts of death; suicidal ideation may or may not be accompanied by a plan or attempt
• NOTE: the symptoms are not part of a Mixed Episode; the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in daily functions; the symptoms cannot be caused by drug abuse or a medical condition; the symptoms are not due to grief/loss

What are the interventions?

• Develop and practice healthy stress management skills

• Develop and practice healthy problem-solving and communication skills

(Including how to effectively negotiate and compromise)

• Develop and practice healthy ways to monitor and control your impulses

• Identify the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Identify and replace cognitive distortions/thinking errors and negative self-talk

• Develop and practice a routine of physical exercise, activity, and social involvement• Rule out medical disorders

• Identify, verbalize, and address any unresolved grief or loss issues

• Acknowledge the presence of any self-harm thoughts or suicidal thoughts and develop a

personal safety plan to avoid acting on them

• Participate in a psychiatric evaluation and take all prescribed medications as instructed

• Rule out other psychiatric disorders

• Rule out depression-inducing medications

• Rule out substance abuse, including alcohol

Take a look at some of the material on Depression; I always have clients reading and/or doing assignments as part of the treatment plan.

Ms. Erin