Jenny has been experiencing loss of interest in daily activities, increased sleep, and disruption in work and in her relationships with her friends. This has been occurring for the past month. This also occurred several years ago. Jenny reports that this time she feels that the symptoms are worse than the first time. She has never reported any manic or hypomanic symptoms. Which disorder does this best represent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest major depression, as there is a loss of interest in daily activities, disruptions in work and relationships, and increased sleep. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by both depressive episodes and episodes of hypomania, which the individual has not reported experiencing. The fact that Jenny has experienced similar symptoms in the past suggests persistent depressive disorder is a possibility, but the severity of symptoms she is currently experiencing and the fact that they have lasted only a month suggest major depression as the more likely diagnosis. Hypomania is not a diagnosis on its own, but rather a symptom that can occur in bipolar II disorder.

Jenny Has Been Experiencing Loss of Interest in Daily Activities