Background:
Patient is a [35]-year-old male presenting for follow-up.
On Review:
Patient reports feeling increasingly anxious and experiencing difficulty sleeping. He describes feeling overwhelmed by work and financial stressors. He reports feeling hopeless and has been isolating himself from friends and family.
"I feel like I'm drowning," he stated. "Everything feels like too much."
Psychotic Screen:
No auditory or visual hallucinations reported.
Neuro-Vegetative Screen:
Mood: Depressed.
Sleep: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
Appetite: Decreased appetite.
Energy: Low energy levels.
Motivation: Reduced motivation.
Memory/Focus: Difficulty concentrating.
Past Psychiatric History:
Patient has a history of major depressive disorder, diagnosed five years ago. He was previously treated with sertraline, which was discontinued due to side effects.
Social History:
Patient is employed as a software engineer. He is single and lives alone. He has limited social support.
Medical History:
Patient has no significant medical history.
Medication History:
Patient is not currently taking any medications.
AODS History:
Patient reports occasional alcohol use, but denies any substance use disorder.
Forensic History:
No forensic history.
Family History:
Mother has a history of anxiety.
MSE:
Appearance and Behaviour: Appears his stated age, well-groomed, and cooperative. He is restless and fidgety.
S: Speech is normal rate and rhythm.
M and A: Mood is depressed. Affect is constricted.
T: Thought process is linear and goal-directed.
P: No perceptual disturbances.
I: Patient acknowledges his current difficulties.
J: Judgment is intact.
C: Cognition is intact.
Risk Assessment:
Patient denies suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation. He reports feeling hopeless but denies any plans for self-harm.
Impression:
Major Depressive Disorder, moderate severity.
Plan:
Initiate escitalopram 10mg daily. Schedule follow-up appointment in four weeks. Provide patient with psychoeducation about depression and its treatment. Recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).