Yolanda Yearly sees a therapist once every ten years. She reports that every year, around the time of her "tenth birthday" (20, 30, 40, 50), she gets very sad, sometimes irritable and upset, and spends between ten and twelve months in therapy. You know from the client's report that she presents every ten years, but do not have any of the records. When considering diagnosis for her, which might be most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent would be the most appropriate diagnosis. Records or no records, you know that this client is no stranger to therapy, and that once a depressive disorder is revisited, it is considered recurrent. Adjustment disorder would not be an appropriate fit since symptoms last longer than six months, on average. While she may be grieving her age, bereavement is only appropriate in the context of losing people.

Yolanda Yearly Sees a Therapist Once Every Ten Years