Wilma has been feeling sad for no apparent reason, and she has lost interest in

Question

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
(P.S. she is suffering from clinical depression)

Answer 1

Wilma is likely suffering from clinical depression. Symptoms of depression include persistent sad or empty mood, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Cognitive approach: A therapist using a cognitive approach might help Wilma identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to her feelings of sadness and lack of motivation. This could involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, where she learns to replace negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones.

Behavioral approach: A therapist using a behavioral approach might focus on helping Wilma increase her engagement in enjoyable activities and social interactions, as well as developing healthy routines and habits. Behavioral activation, for example, involves scheduling pleasant activities and setting goals to increase motivation and improve mood.

Pharmacological approach: A therapist might consider prescribing antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help alleviate symptoms of depression. These medications can help regulate mood by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

It is important to note that a combination of therapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, may be most effective in treating clinical depression.