DSM IV DIAGNOSIS: MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Axis I 296.23 Major Depressive Disorder, Single
Axis V GAF = 41 (highest level past year)
The above five axis diagnosis is based on the symptoms presented prior to the use of Prozac. Axis I, Major Depressive Disorder, is substantiated by the following criteria: (A) five or more symptoms, present during the same 2-week period and representing changes from previous functioning, which include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, psychomotor retardation nearly every day, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts about death and suicide; (B) symptoms due not include a mixed episode; (C) symptoms result in significant distress and impairment in functioning; (D) symptoms are not due to substances or medical conditions; (E) symptoms are not due to bereavement (APA, 1994). The client reports that she felt an absence of interest, affect, feeling, and response; she stated that she was the "walking dead." She reported only being able to lie in bed and watch a television. She felt frightened to be depressed, as well as the thought of having to give up depression and be happy. She stated that she felt she was not worthwhile and that depression gave her character. She reported that she seriously contemplated suicide because the pain was "too much." There were no reports of a manic episode, she became depressed to the point of not being able to function, she reported no substance use or abuse and no medical conditions were reported. No loss was reported indicating bereavement.
Axis I also lists whether or not symptoms are Single Episode. An interval of at least 2 consecutive months, with a lack of symptoms meeting criteria for the diagnosis must be present for episodes to be diagnosed as recurrent. In this case symptoms are described as a steady progression, indicating a single episode. Axis I states the presence of Melancholic Features. In this case this part of ...