Summary of Observations and Assessments
Summer appeared in good physical condition and dressed casually in designer slacks and top. Her hair appeared professionally-styled and she wore expensive-looking jewelry including an excessive amount of cologne—per observation—but presented very sad and frustrated. She appeared to be in severe distress and displayed a considerable amount of hand-wringing while she spoke about her concerns. Summer’s affect was appropriate to the content of the conversation- per observation. She sat on the edge of her chair and her facial expression was one of extreme distraught; however, she was oriented to person, place and situation. Summer was cooperative and seemed to answer all of the questions to the best of her …show more content…
Summer’s additional diagnosis of Alcohol-induced Depressive Disorder exists because she has been drinking for much longer than the symptoms of depression occurred and has increased her intake of alcohol; therefore, her symptoms are much better accounted for as a Substance-Induced Mood Disorder, with depressive features. The therapist considered a differential diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder—noted in the DSM-5—with qualifying symptoms such as: experiencing depressed mood most of the day, approximately every day; loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities; fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day; significant weight loss or weight gain; insomnia or hypersomnia practically every day; daily psychomotor agitation or retardation; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt nearly every day; diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day; recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. However, continued heavy alcohol use is also associated with episodes of depression, sleeplessness, severe anxiety, suicide ideations, and other drug-abuse (Schuckit,
Summer appeared in good physical condition and dressed casually in designer slacks and top. Her hair appeared professionally-styled and she wore expensive-looking jewelry including an excessive amount of cologne—per observation—but presented very sad and frustrated. She appeared to be in severe distress and displayed a considerable amount of hand-wringing while she spoke about her concerns. Summer’s affect was appropriate to the content of the conversation- per observation. She sat on the edge of her chair and her facial expression was one of extreme distraught; however, she was oriented to person, place and situation. Summer was cooperative and seemed to answer all of the questions to the best of her …show more content…
Summer’s additional diagnosis of Alcohol-induced Depressive Disorder exists because she has been drinking for much longer than the symptoms of depression occurred and has increased her intake of alcohol; therefore, her symptoms are much better accounted for as a Substance-Induced Mood Disorder, with depressive features. The therapist considered a differential diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder—noted in the DSM-5—with qualifying symptoms such as: experiencing depressed mood most of the day, approximately every day; loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities; fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day; significant weight loss or weight gain; insomnia or hypersomnia practically every day; daily psychomotor agitation or retardation; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt nearly every day; diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day; recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. However, continued heavy alcohol use is also associated with episodes of depression, sleeplessness, severe anxiety, suicide ideations, and other drug-abuse (Schuckit,