You are the PMHNP in an outpatient clinic assessing a new pa…

You are the PMHNP in an outpatient clinic assessing a new patient for initial evaluation.  The patient notes that they have had 3 years of hypomanic symptoms that you note do not meet criteria for a hypomanic episode per the DSM-5 and they also have numerous periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for a MDD episode.  Which of the following statements is most likely?

A 59-year-old man has been seeing the PMHNP for treatment of…

A 59-year-old man has been seeing the PMHNP for treatment of schizophrenia.  He was first diagnosed when he was 21 years old.  He remains medication adherent.  In getting to know the patient, it is revealed that he has very few social interactions, prefers to be alone, and has never had a romantic interest or desire to pursue one.  Which type of symptoms is pervasive in this clinical presentation?

You are the PMHNP who is seeing a new patient for symptoms o…

You are the PMHNP who is seeing a new patient for symptoms of depression.  There are no identifying triggers for the symptoms.  According to the DSM-5-TR, you know that in order to diagnose Major depressive disorder (MDD), the symptoms have to be present for at least: