Question

(Explain in a few sentences)


Wilma has been feeling sad for no apparent reason, and she has lost interest in many of the activities she once enjoyed. While she is able to function and solve problems at home and at her job, she has trouble finding the motivation just to get through the day. She spends her free time at home because it seems like it is just too much trouble to get out of the house.

According to the DSM, what type of disorder might she be suffering from? What symptoms exemplify this disorder? How might a therapist treat her using each of the following approaches?

Cognitive
Behavioral
Pharmacological

Answer 1

This picture most closely fits Major Depressive Disorder (DSM‑5); if the same symptoms have been present for two years or more it would instead be Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia). Key symptoms shown here are a persistent depressed mood, marked loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia), low motivation/energy, social withdrawal, and reduced engagement in previously enjoyed activities.

Treatment approaches:
- Cognitive: Use cognitive therapy/CBT to identify and challenge negative automatic thoughts and maladaptive core beliefs, teach more balanced thinking, and set problem‑solving homework to change unhelpful thought patterns.
- Behavioral: Use behavioral activation (and other behavioral techniques) to increase scheduling of rewarding/graded activities, reduce avoidance, and systematically reinforce engagement to restore positive reinforcement and improve mood.
- Pharmacological: First‑line medications are antidepressants (usually an SSRI such as sertraline or escitalopram); they can reduce depressive symptoms over weeks, should be monitored for side effects and suicidality, and are often combined with psychotherapy for best outcomes.