Major Depressive Disorder
major depressive disoder is a medical condition that is commonly seen and then presents the following:
demographics, pathophysiology, transmission, screening recommendations, and current screening tests available. Then, discuss the specificity and sensitivity of one test (i.e. PSA, Rapid HIV Testing, CTA, etc.), positive predictive value, problems with the testing (i.e. cost), how the tests are performed, CLIA waiver information, what the results mean, occurrence and implications of false positives and false negatives, limitations of the test, and a final recommendation of whether or not the test should be utilized in clinical practice.
APRNs might want to consider discussing how the test can influence clinical decision making whereas nurse leaders may want to consider discussing the financial implications of testing given the epidemiological information presented
Sample Solution
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and costly disorder which is usually associated with severe and persistent symptoms leading to important social impairment and increased mortality. The monoamine-deficiency theory posits that the underlying pathophysiological basis of depression is a depletion of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine in the central nervous system. Serotonin is the most extensively studied neurotransmitter in depression. Your doctor can usually tell if you have depression by asking you specific questions and doing a physical exam. The doctor may include other standard tests as part of the initial physical exam. Among them may be blood tests to check electrolytes, liver function, toxicology screening, and kidney function. Psychiatrists treating depression can monitor progress by serially measuring severity of symptoms with a standardized scale.
