psychological disorder
Assessing and Treating Adult Clients with Mood Disorders
A mood disorder describes a psychological disorder which is characterized as a fluctuation of one’s mood, such as a major depressive or bipolar disorder. An estimated 20 million individuals in the United States have depression which comprises of symptoms such as a loss of pleasure in activities, sadness, weight changes, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue as well as suicidal ideation; all of which can significantly impact daily functioning (Mental Health.gov, 2017). According to Park and Zarate (2019) onset of depression in adulthood continues to flourish where an estimated 30 percent of adults have a lifetime risk of experiencing a major depressive episode with a median age of 32.5. The author further indicates screening for depression, a thorough evaluation, and monitoring is necessary to ensure safety and wellbeing (Park & Zarate, 2019). Pharmacotherapy, along with psychotherapy are first-line therapies for effective outcomes (Park & Zarate, 2019). The purpose of this paper is to review a case study, choose the appropriate selection utilizing research, and discuss ethical considerations.
Case Study
A 32-year-old Hispanic American client presents to the initial appointment with depression. Health history, along with medical workup, appears to be unremarkable except for the slight back and shoulder pain due to his occupation. The clinical interview reveals past feelings of being an “outsider” and has few friends (Laureate Education, 2016). There is a decline in daily activities, a weight increase of 15 pounds over two months, along with diminished sleep and the inability to fully concentrate (Laureate Education, 2016). The results of the depression screening administered by the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), indicates severe depression with a score of 51 (Montgomery & Asberg, 1979).
Decision Point One
The selections include Zoloft 25 mg orally daily, Effexor 37.5 XR mg orally daily, or Phenelzine 15 mg orally TID. As a healthcare professional treating a client, Zoloft (sertraline) 25 mg is the first choice at decision point one. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) impede the reabsorption of this neurotransmitter; thus, increasing the serotonin levels of the nerve cells in the brain to allow for improvement in mood (Stahl, 2013). SSRIs have been utilized as first-line therapy to treat major depressive disorder due to efficacy, fewer side effects, cost-effectiveness as well as a wider availability (Masuda et al., 2017). The therapeutic dosing range is typically 50 mg-200 mg (Stahl, 2017). However, beginning at 25 mg and gradually titrating the dose, depending on tolerability, is an appropriate health care decision (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2018b). Therefore, a low dose of Zoloft appears to be the best option in caring for this client.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is classified as a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which impedes the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine changing the chemistry in the brain to regulate mood (Stahl, 2013). Bhat and Kennedy (2017) describe antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) as a “medication-induced movement disorder” along with various adverse reactions such as intense sadness and anxiety; periods of an “electric shock” sensation; sights of flashing lights; and dizziness upon movement (Bhat & Kennedy, 2017, p. E7). These symptoms are often experienced a few days after sudden discontinuation of an antidepressant with a shorter-life (3-7 hours) such as venlafaxine or paroxetine (Bhat & Kennedy, 2017; Stahl, 2017). Moreover, Stahl (2017) indicates venlafaxine is one of the drugs with more severe withdrawal symptoms in comparison to other antidepressants. It may take some clients several months to taper off of this medicine; therefore, Effexor is not the optimal selection at this time.
Phenelzine is classified as an irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which impedes the monoamine oxidase from deconstructing serotonin, dopamine, as well as norepinephrine. Thus, boosting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate mood (Stahl, 2017). Park and Zarate (2019) purport the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors have a higher risk profile; therefore, are not typically utilized unless a newer antidepressant is considered ineffective. Bhat and Kennedy (2017) indicate there is a need for a long taper with MAOIs. Further, this medication may lose effectiveness after long-term use, and it is considered to have habit-forming qualities for some individuals (Stahl, 2017). The initial dose for phenelzine is taken three times a day which research suggests medication adherence is often tricky when the administration is more than once a day (Goette & Hammwöhner, 2016). Stahl (2017) describes certain risk factors comprising of frequent weight gain, interference of certain food products containing tyramine, drug interactions (serotonin syndrome), as well as a hypertensive crisis. When utilizing this medication for treatment-resistant depression, the advance practitioner is aware of the detrimental adverse reactions which may occur. Therefore, phenelzine is not the safest option for this client.
The overarching goal for this male client is to reduce the symptoms related to his major depressive disorder and to eventually achieve remission without relapse where he can maintain normalcy in his life. After four weeks, his depressive symptoms decrease by 25 percent which is progress; however, he has a new onset of erectile dysfunction (Laureate Education, 2016). Sexual dysfunction is a notable side effect of sertraline (Stahl, 2017). Therefore, the clinician will reevaluate the plan of care given this new information. The outcomes were to be expected as the client was started on a low dose of sertraline, and treatment is typically 50 mg to 200 mg. A continuation in progress may require more time, approximately six to eight weeks in total (Stahl, 2017).
Decision Point Two
The present selections include decrease dose to 12.5 daily orally, continue same dose and counsel client, or augment with Wellbutrin 150 IR in the morning. The preference for decision point two is Wellbutrin (bupropion) 150 IR, which is considered a norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SDRI). An SDRI elevates the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and norepinephrine in the brain to achieve an improvement in depressive symptoms (Stahl, 2017). The purpose of utilizing this agent is three-fold: (1) To boost mood (2) To treat the new onset of sexual dysfunction (3) To aid in weight-loss. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI] (2018a), Wellbutrin is a medication administered for major depressive disorder often in conjunction with an SSRI (NAMI, 2018a).
Further, Wellbutrin may be prescribed with an SSRI to reverse the effects of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (Stahl, 2017). Dunner (2014) purports combining antidepressants are safe and may enhance efficacy; however, the combination of medications may also be utilized as an approach to reduce the effects of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. Dunner (2014) concurs that bupropion is frequently used with an SSRI or SNRI to alleviate sexual dysfunction. Stahl (2017), findings indicate the most common side effects of bupropion consist of constipation, dry mouth, agitation, anxiety, improved cognitive functioning, as well as weight loss. The client in this scenario has gained 15 pounds over two months; thus, this medication may aid in his desire to lose weight (Laureate Education, 2016). Further, this agent typically is not sedating as it does not have anticholinergic or antihistamine properties yet have a mild stimulating effect (Guzman, n.d).
