Depression case study
Jill, an 18-year old woman has been calling out of work frequently over the past month and
demonstrates poor work performance when she is on shift. She appears disheveled and no longer
socializes with her co-workers. Her boyfriend of two years recently broke off their relationship.
The nurse is assessing Jill during a visit to the community health center. She is tearful during the
interview and has poor eye contact. She reports insomnia, but stays in bed for 12 hours and has a
hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Her appetite is decreased and she has lost 10 pounds,
no longer enjoys her previous hobbies and declines invitations to socialize. She reports fatigue
and memory disturbances, has a hard time studying for her college classes due to difficulty
concentrating and her grades are falling. The nurse notices that her responses to questions are
delayed and her movements are slow. Jill denies history of suicide attempts but admits to current
suicidal ideation.
1. What other information should you ask Jill regarding her thoughts of suicide?
2. What characteristics put her at high risk for suicide?
3. What symptoms does she have that meet criteria for major depression?
4. What are some other signs and symptoms of depression?
Adapted from Jakopac & Patel (2009) Psychiatric Mental Health Case Studies and Care Plans
Jill, an 18-year old woman has been calling out of work frequently over the past month and
demonstrates poor work performance when she is on shift. She appears disheveled and no longer
socializes with her co-workers. Her boyfriend of two years recently broke off their relationship.
The nurse is assessing Jill during a visit to the community health center. She is tearful during the
interview and has poor eye contact. She reports insomnia, but stays in bed for 12 hours and has a
hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Her appetite is decreased and she has lost 10 pounds,
no longer enjoys her previous hobbies and declines invitations to socialize. She reports fatigue
and memory disturbances, has a hard time studying for her college classes due to difficulty
concentrating and her grades are falling. The nurse notices that her responses to questions are
delayed and her movements are slow. Jill denies history of suicide attempts but admits to current
suicidal ideation.
1. What other information should you ask Jill regarding her thoughts of suicide?
2. What characteristics put her at high risk for suicide?
3. What symptoms does she have that meet criteria for major depression?
4. What are some other signs and symptoms of depression?
Adapted from Jakopac & Patel (2009) Psychiatric Mental Health Case Studies and Care Plans
