A patient diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder asks, Will I ...

[mwit1967]

A patient diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder asks, Will I ever feel better? Based on an understanding of this psychopathology, the nurse's best response is
 
  a. Your depressed mood will probably spontaneously improve in 6 months to a year.
  b. People with seasonal affective disorder usually feel better in spring and summer, when there are longer periods of light.
  c. It's important to engage in community activities to improve your depressed mood. Activity stimulates important brain chemicals.
  d. Most people with seasonal affective disorder feel better during the fall and winter seasons as they experience the pleasure of the holidays.

Question 2

A 74-year-old patient is admitted diagnosed with anhedonia, weight loss of 20 lb in 6 weeks, and pervasive guilt over issues that occurred in early adulthood
 
  The patient is diagnosed with melancholic depression. Which intervention has the highest priority for inclusion in the care plan?
  a. Assess history of seasonal variations of mood.
  b. Observe for increased sensitivity to rejection.
  c. Monitor and document sleep patterns.
  d. Assess for echolalia and posturing.

[Qarqy]

Answer to Question 1

B
Seasonal affective disorder is a depression occurring in conjunction with a seasonal change, most often beginning in fall and winter and remitting in spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The correct answer is the only option that reflects the information regarding the seasonal nature of the disorder.

Answer to Question 2

C
Individuals with the depressive variant of melancholia often display anhedonia, depression worse in the morning, early-morning awakening, anorexia and/or weight loss, and inappropriate guilt. It is appropriate to monitor sleep patterns to ascertain if sleep disturbance is present. Homeostasis is contingent on adequate sleep. The distracters are seen in depression with catatonic features, atypical depression, and seasonal affective disorder.