Case report: evaluation of suicide risk in severe major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v101i2e-184948Keywords:
Major Depressive Disorder, Psychotic symptoms, Suicidal riskAbstract
In addition to its classic symptomatology, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may go through single or recurring episodes of psychotic events marked by the presence of delusions and hallucinations, with contents which are frequently associated to negative and depressive ideas about death, ruin, guilt and deserved punishment. This condition is strongly linked to high suicide risks, constituting the main reason why it is necessary to diagnose and positively intervene as soon as possible in order to restore and preserve the person’s life, meaning and quality of life. The case reported herein refers to a female patient with a current diagnosis of severe and recurrent MDD with psychotic episodes and high suicidal tendencies. This patient constantly presents depressed mood, frequent and easy crying, hypobulia, sleep disorders and devaluation of herself. Furthermore, her case occurs with strange dreams and sensations related to evil entities, along with persistent visual hallucinations and religious delusions of sin, excessive guilt and divine punishment. Due to the symptoms resistance to the initial pharmacological treatment, other possibilities of approach, conduct and differential diagnoses were discussed in parallel to a continual evaluation of the suicide risk.
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