A 30-year-old woman arrives to the office in a melancholy state. Since being turned over for promotion three weeks ago, the patient has been "disappointed and despondent." She has difficulty going asleep since she is preoccupied with what she could have done differently at work. The patient's appetite, energy, and concentration are not affected, and she still enjoys going out with friends and attending choir group. She has no substantial medical or mental health history. The vital signs and physical examination are normal. A course of psychotherapy is recommended, to which she responds, "Have you ever had depression or been in therapy, doctor?" Which of the following is the best response to this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Patients may inquire about the physician's professional credentials and expertise, as well as more personal questions regarding the physician's history and life experiences (including age, marital status, children, and similar experiences such as cancer, a particular medical diagnosis, and loss of a loved one). Some people may be very curious to learn personal information about their own life issues, which are often driven by subconscious hopes and worries about whether the doctor would be able to assist them.
Although responding to a patient's inquiries can help build trust, doctors should not feel obligated to answer queries that are too personal or intrusive. Physicians, on the other hand, can maintain limits while still carefully probing why the patient is asking.   This approach can be helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the patient's concerns. Querying about what makes this patient ask the question may reveal specific concerns about whether the physician understands her emotional pain and may allay possible fears about psychotherapy. The physician can then more effectively support the patient and address these concerns.

A 30-Year-Old Woman Arrives to the Office in a Melancholy