Three questions that might be asked of the patient are:
- How has your sleep been since your husband passed away? Rationale: Insomnia is the patient’s chief complaint, and this question helps to gather more information about the duration and severity of the sleep disturbance.
- How have you been feeling emotionally since your husband passed away? Rationale: The patient’s depression has worsened since her husband’s death, and this question helps to assess the extent of the depression and the impact it has had on her daily functioning.
- Have you experienced any changes in your appetite or weight since your husband passed away? Rationale: Changes in appetite or weight can be symptoms of depression, and this question helps to identify any other symptoms that may be present.
People in the patient’s life who may need to be contacted for further assessment include:
- Family members or close friends Questions to ask: How has the patient been coping since her husband’s death? Have you noticed any changes in her mood or behavior?
- The patient’s previous mental health provider Questions to ask: Has the patient been treated for depression before? If so, what treatments were effective?
Physical exams and diagnostic tests that may be appropriate for the patient include:
- Physical exam Rationale: A physical exam can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
- Blood tests Rationale: Blood tests can help assess the patient’s overall health and identify any medical conditions that may be contributing to her symptoms.
- Psychological evaluation Rationale: A psychological evaluation can help to diagnose any mental health conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Overall, a multidisciplinary approach that includes collaboration between the patient’s primary care provider, mental health provider, and family members may be beneficial in assessing and treating the patient’s health needs.