Author Question: A client has been diagnosed with depression after a series of visits to his primary care provider. ... (Read 38 times)

imowrer · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client has been diagnosed with depression after a series of visits to his primary care provider. Within the context of the behavioral theory of mood disorders, what factors may underlie the client's diagnosis?

A) A perception that life's events are beyond his control, leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
B) A long-standing pattern of underachievement and public failure that causes him to feel shame
C) A family history of inadequate coping skills, unresolved conflict, and fragmented communication that leads to feelings of isolation
D) A belief that there is ultimately no higher meaning to life, leading to feelings of fatalism and resignation

Question 2

A client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The clinical symptoms that would be included when the clinician makes this diagnosis are what?

A) A significant failure in an occupational or relational setting
B) A significant decrease in appetite
C) Demonstrated examples of unwise decisions
D) Claims by family, friends, or coworkers that the client is depressed

zenzy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Behavioral theorists regard mood disorders as a form of acquired or learned behavior.
Clients possess a perception that situations or events are their own fault and are beyond their control and that nothing can be done to change them. This perception promotes feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Behavioral theory does not emphasize the role of family history, failure, or fatalism, though each may accompany or contribute to mood disorders.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Among the nine clinical symptoms of a major depressive episode is a significant increase or decrease in appetite. Failures may precipitate or exacerbate decisions and others may confirm the client's depression, but these are not diagnostic criteria. Unwise decision making is not a hallmark of depression, but indecisiveness is a diagnostic criterion.