Dysthymic Disorder Case Analysis Paper

Our case study forty-seven-year-old Ellen is suffering from Major Depressive Episodes and Dysthymic Disorder. The symptoms of major depressive episodes are; having a loss of energy, feeling overwhelming sadness, and irritability. The symptoms of Dysthymic Disorder are; having a poor diet or appetite, issues sleeping, not wanting to socialize, and having low self- esteem bout yourself. On page 3 paragraph 14 it states that Ellen refuses to hang out with her married friends, because she has a negative image about herself. She believes that they will see her as an “old-maid, or social misfit”. She has a good relationship with her daughter, even though they are just now reestablishing a relationship, since Ellen walked out on her when she was very young. The cause of her depressive moods are the death of her estranged mother and loss of relationship with her boyfriend, whom left her for a student.
Ellen did not have a good relationship with her mother, but when she passed Ellen felt guilt and grief for the strained relationship. After the funeral Ellen’s boyfriend Harry ended their relationship, and Ellen states that this sent her over the edge. She began to not sleep or eat, and even fantasized about suicide. These symptoms prove that Ellen is suffering from a major depressive episode. She has overwhelming sadness which has …show more content…
Since Ellen has ostracized herself from everyone, she is going to need intensive therapy on how open back up and emotionally reconnect with her loved ones. For a biological treatment I would recommend a round of an antidepressant such as Prozac or Zoloft. An antidepressant would work with balancing the neurotransmitters in her brain that regulate her mood and emotions. The other type of treatment I would recommend along with an antidepressant would be a mood stabilizer. These would help prevent the return of any manic or depressive