A 32-year-old nurse presents to her primary care provider complaining of frequent headaches, irritable bowel, insomnia, and depressed mood. She currently takes no medication and has no history of substance abuse or major medical problems beyond treatment for a single depressive episode when she was a college freshman. Her physical exam, routine labs, and brain CT are all within normal limits. Her family history is notable for several ancestors who have been affected by psychiatric illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Her paternal grandfather and a maternal aunt committed suicide. She has had three prior episodes of several weeks' duration characterized by insubordinate behavior at work, irritability, high energy, and decreased need for sleep. She regrets impulsive sexual and financial decisions that she took during these episodes, and has recently filed for personal bankruptcy. For the past month her mood has been persistently low, and she has had reductions in sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration, with some passive thoughts of suicide. Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's history of depressive episodes and distinct periods of elevated mood, irritability, high energy, and decreased need for sleep, along with impulsive behavior, suggests a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

A 32-Year-Old Nurse Presents to Her Primary Care Provider Complaining