1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Core Concept: Requires ≥2 weeks of sad mood or anhedonia + ≥4 symptoms (weight/sleep changes, fatigue, guilt, poor concentration, suicidal thoughts).
• Priority Nursing: Directly assess suicide risk (plan, lethality, access). Promote ADLs by breaking tasks into small, concrete steps. Avoid being overly cheerful; use silence and active listening to build trust.
• Medications:
  • SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline): First-line. Side effects: sexual dysfunction, weight changes.
  • TCAs (Amitriptyline): High risk of lethality in overdose. Watch for anticholinergic side effects and orthostatic hypotension.
  • MAOIs (Phenelzine): Risk of fatal hypertensive crisis with tyramine. Requires 5-6 we ...