Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 6th Edition by Mary Townsend

Exercise 1

Carol is a 17-year-old high school senior. She will graduate in 1 month and has plans to attend the state university a few hours from her home. Carol has always made good grades in school, has participated in many activities, and has been a pep squad cheerleader. She had been dating the star quarterback, Alan, since last summer, and they had spoken a number of times about going to the senior prom together. About a month before the prom, Alan broke up with Carol and began dating Sally, whom he subsequently took to the prom. Since that time, Carol has become despondent. She doesn't go out with her friends; she dropped out of the pep squad; her grades have fallen; and she has lost 10 pounds. She attends classes most of the time, but evenings and weekends she spends in her room alone listening to her music, crying, and sleeping. Her parents have become very concerned and contacted the family physician, who has had Carol admitted to the psychiatric unit of the local hospital. The admitting psychiatrist has made the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Carol tells the nurse, "Sometimes I drive around and try to find Alan and Sally. I don't know why he broke up with me. I hate myself! I just want to die!"
What is the primary nursing diagnosis that is identified for Carol?