Skip to Main Content

We have a new app!

Take the Access library with you wherever you go—easy access to books, videos, images, podcasts, personalized features, and more.

Download the Access App here: iOS and Android

For instructor materials including Power Points, Answers to Clinical Encounter Questions, please contact userservices@mhprofessional.com.

Content Update

April 18, 2023

Guideline update for the treatment of children and adolescents with major and persistent depressive disorders: The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommends psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapies) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to be offered to adolescents and children with major depressive disorder (MDD). Fluoxetine is the preferred SSRI, while paroxetine should be avoided. To prevent relapse and recurrence of MDD, continuation of fluoxetine alone or in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy can be offered.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the chapter, the reader will be able to:

  1. Explain the etiology and pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD).

  2. Identify the signs and symptoms of MDD.

  3. Outline the treatment goals for a patient with MDD.

  4. Recommend pharmacotherapy given a specific patient with MDD.

  5. Develop a monitoring plan for a specific patient with MDD that includes the assessment of efficacy as well as adverse effects.

  6. Predict, prevent, identify, and resolve potential drug-related problems.

  7. Educate patients and caregivers on the proper use of antidepressant therapy.

INTRODUCTION

Major depression is a common, seriously disabling disorder nonresponsive to volitional efforts to feel better. Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience pervasive symptoms affecting mood, thinking, physical health, work, and relationships. Inadequately treated MDD increases the risk of suicide.1

Although antidepressants and agents used adjunctively in depression account for 16 of the top 200 prescription drugs dispensed in the United States, inadequate treatment remains a serious concern.2,3

Patient Encounter Part 1

A 35-year-old man presents to the psychiatry clinic with his brother. He complains of increased sleep and increased appetite although he still feels fatigued when he wakes up. He states that he has gained 12 lb (5.4 kg) in the last month. With prompting from his brother, he admits that he has lost interest in hunting, which is his favorite activity, especially now that it is deer hunting season. He has been going through a difficult divorce, and his wife has custody of his two children. He has been having difficulty waking up to go to work in the morning. He states that he has thoughts about driving his car across the interstate into oncoming traffic, but he would not do that because it is against his religion.

What symptoms of MDD does the patient have?

What medical or psychiatric issues could be contributing to the symptoms?

What additional information do you need to know before creating a treatment plan for this patient?

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ETIOLOGY

At least 17.3 million adults over the age of 18 experience at least one episode of depression, and 8.1% of individuals over 20 years of age in the United States experienced depression ...

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.