Major Depressive Disorder

Question 1

In two to three pages, complete the case study below by answering the questions. Maria Lopez is a single Hispanic female living in a large Mississippi city. She is 35 years old and has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She recently lost her job and health insurance, so she does not take any medication for her illnesses. Maria has had physical health issues as well, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Maria’s closest family lives in Florida, but she rarely sees them, as both parents are alcoholics.

1. Speculate on Maria’s mental illness onset, its course, and its possible outcome.
2. Explain the close association between Maria’s mental illnesses and her physical comorbidity.
3. Describe how Maria would answer quantitative questions regarding four dimensions of health: life satisfaction, hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.

Question 2

In two to three pages, complete the case study below by responding to the prompts. Robert Smith is a 40-year-old black male who is divorced, with no children or nearby family. Robert has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He recently retired from the military but refuses to talk about his experiences with anyone. He now lives in a small, rural town 30 miles from the nearest grocery store. Robert had a difficult childhood; his father committed suicide when Robert was only seven years old, and his mother was an alcoholic. His mother died last year from cancer. His father used to physically and verbally abuse him.

1. Identify some possible risk factors of Robert’s PTSD.
2. Provide an educated discussion of what social determinants of Robert’s mental illness most likely affect him.
3. Apply the diathesis-stress model to how Robert may have developed PTSD and still suffers from it to this day.