Diagnostic Assessment

A temporary diagnosis for the patient referenced would be Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode (296.23):

Axis I: 296.23 Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode (Divorce).

Axis II: 799.9 (Diagnosis Deferred).

This diagnosis can only be considered temporary since it is incomplete. For this diagnosis to be properly made, five or more symptoms must be present for a two-week period and represent a change from previous functioning. There is no information regarding length of time the symptoms have occurred, whether this is a single episode (assumed at this time) or whether there is a change from previous functioning. Only four symptoms can be accounted for at this time. Cultural considerations have not been explored which may also render the diagnosis invalid. For example, symptoms expressed may or may not be within the normal range for the African-American culture (Quick reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV, 1994, pp. 162-167).

Evidence of a possibility of Major Depressive Disorder incl

. . .
toms include marked distress and significant impairment in functioning. For this diagnosis the symptoms do not persist for more than an additional 6 months, however the Chronic specifier applies if the duration of the symptoms are longer than 6 months and the stressor has enduring consequences. Adjustment disorder with Depressed Mood includes symptoms of depressed mood, tearfulness, or feelings of hopelessness (Quick reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV, 1994, pp. 273-274). The patient does have an enduring stressor; it has been six months since the divorce but the patient states he continues to be deprived of seeing his son and he is forced to live in substandard conditions due to child support and alimony payments resulting from the divorce. Depressive symptoms (depressed mood and tearfulness) are exhibited, however, this diagnosis requires that symptoms are in excess of what would be expected from the divorce, with impairment in functioning, and these conditions have not been established. With this consideration and the additional factor of suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorder was ruled out in favor of a depressive disorder (Quick reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV, 1994, p. 273). Dysthymia D
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Approximate Word count = 1524
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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