Introduction
The selected journal article delves into depression as one of the critical health issues that should be addressed. To create the basis for the analysis and discussion, the authors start by discussing the clinical problem, its importance, scope, and definition. Park and Zarate (2019) introduce the condition by emphasizing the prevalence of depressive disorders, which are viewed as the third leading cause of disability globally. Moreover, the article outlines the major risks, such as the high incidence of suicide, to attract attention to the importance of the problem and the necessity of its investigation. Major depressive disorder is a heterogeneous condition with various associated symptoms (Park and Zarate, 2019). The researchers state that criteria for diagnosing and rating the severity of major disorders are listed in specific manuals, while the pathophysiology of the condition remains poorly understood (Park and Zarate, 2019). It means there is a need for further investigation and research.
Thus, outlining the scope of the problem, the critical impact of depression, the diversity of symptoms, and the complexity of determining the pathophysiology, the authors introduce the aim of the research paper. It aims to cultivate a better understanding of depressive disorder by reviewing strategies, guidelines, and approaches that can be used to work with patients, analyze the symptoms, and provide the necessary care. The authors admit that although numerous efforts to educate patients and care providers exist, stigma remains the central barrier to recognizing the condition and providing the appropriate treatment. For this reason, the paper aims at discussing the problem and promoting a better understanding of how symptoms of depression can be addressed to determine whether a patient requires specific intervention.
Methodology
The authors use a specific approach to analyzing the condition and attaining the primary aim of the research. First of all, Park and Zarate (2019) introduce a 45-year-old woman with specific symptoms and information about their onset. It means the article rests on the case study design. Several factors justify the choice of the method. First of all, it allows researchers to use their findings in real-life settings and increase the practical utility of the acquired results. Moreover, using patient data, the authors can attain higher understanding levels and explain how people with depression can be treated. Furthermore, the case study design effectively creates the background for the investigation and choice of specific interventions to assist a particular group of patients. In such a way, the selected approach applies to the aims of the study,
At the same time, the authors conduct a systematic review of available studies and guidelines on depression. First of all, it helps to select the most relevant and credible theoretical knowledge linked to the problem under research. Reviewing the existing works on depression, they outline the approaches to assessment, treatment, and working with patients who have symptoms associated with the condition (Park and Zarate, 2019). The choice of the given method is also justified by the articleās goals and acquired results. Integrating data from other research studies, the authors create a unified approach vital for attaining a higher level of understanding of depression and how it can be diagnosed and managed. For this reason, it is possible to conclude that the chosen methodology is effective enough and helps the authors acquire credible data and increase its practical utility by demonstrating how it can be used in patients in real life.
Results
In the course of the research, the authors acquire specific results. First, they structure knowledge of depression and strategies, such as assessment and screening, that are employed to determine whether a patient has the condition (Park and Zarate, 2019). They admit the variety of methods that can be used, such as detailed psychiatric review, to acquire an enhanced understanding of the patient and the disease. Moreover, Park and Zarate (2019) conclude that mild depression can be treated by using psychotherapy, while severe forms can be managed by combining pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The choice of approach depends on the current state of the patient and his/her symptoms. Altogether, the results prove the complexity of depression and the necessity to address it by considering every case separately.
The acquired results prove several vital aspects. First, the authors say that their findings are concordant with the guidelines for treating depression offered by APA, CANMAT, and the National Institute for Health Care Excellence (Park and Zarate, 2019). It means that the dominant approach to treating and analyzing depression remains effective and should be used when working with clients. At the same time, the authors recommend considering recent antidepressant medications to attain better outcomes (Park and Zarate, 2019). Furthermore, the investigators use the results to address the presented case of a 45-year-old woman, which evidences their high practical utility and the applicability of findings (Park and Zarate, 2019). Altogether, the results prove the complexities in treating depression and the necessity to consider it an extremely complex mental health condition with a variety of symptoms. The necessity to avoid stigma and determine the illness by using proper guidelines is central for every case and the choice of effective treatment.
Discussion
In general, the acquired findings are consistent with the current literature on the topic. Karrouri et al. (2021) also admit that depression remains a prevalent psychiatric disorder leading to a significant deterioration in the quality of individualsā lives. The investigators agree that diagnosing the disease requires much effort because of the multiple symptoms (Karrouri et al., 2021). They state that pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are the central options for addressing the problem; however, the treatments must be codified and simplified to improve the current practice (Karrouri et al., 2021). It will help to eliminate the stigma linked to the problem and ensure patients are active participants in the process and can avoid the feeling of uncertainty. It means that the reviewed articleās results are similar to other studiesā outcomes regarding the necessity of using specific treatments and improving their understanding. It also evidences the credibility of the investigation and the practical utility of outcomes.
The study under analysis emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing depression. This idea is supported by other investigators. For instance, Schatzberg (2019) admits that it is time to think about change because the existing approaches are too complex or lack effectiveness. The traditional blinded trials should be updated to find newer approaches (Schatzberg, 2019). Park and Zarate (2019) offer similar ideas by saying that tests such as blood counts, metabolic studies, and thyroid function tests might assist therapists in treating patients. In such a way, the current literature supports the idea offered in the reviewed article. The complexity of symptoms among patients with depression introduces barriers to providing treatment for mental illness and improving individual outcomes. The congruence between the studyās results and other research works proves the relevance of the findings and the importance of investigation in the given sphere.
Conclusion
Altogether, the article by Park and Zarate delves into the problem of depression in clinical settings. The authors admit that it remains a clinically significant and growing health concern that impacts individualsā well-being and health. The problem is complicated by the fact that diagnosing and treating depression might be complex, and the pathophysiology of the condition remains understudied. For this reason, the enhanced understanding of depression, its major symptoms, and effective guidelines that might assist therapists are vital for outcomes. Using a specific case study and reviewing the current guidelines and literature on depression, Park and Zarate cultivate a better understanding of depression, the current methods of screening and assessment, and treatment that can be used to help individuals living with the condition.
The results acquired by the author mainly coincide with the existing guidelines on how care providers can work with this cohort. Moreover, other studies on depression offer similar information. The investigators admit the complexity of diagnosing the condition because of the diversity in symptoms and the lack of guidelines that might assist therapists. Furthermore, the current literature admits the necessity of using psychiatric or pharmacological treatments, or their combination, to attain the desired outcomes. In such a way, the authors use a practical methodology and apply their findings to real-life conditions by analyzing the case selected by them. The article can be recommended as a source to improve the overall understanding of depression and its treatment. At the same time, it can be used as the basis for new research to investigate the pathophysiology of the condition.
Reference List
Karrouri, R. et al. (2021) āMajor depressive disorder: validated treatments and future challengesā, World Journal of Clinical Cases, 9(31), pp. 9350ā9367. Web.
Park, L. and Zarate, C. (2019) āDepression in the primary care settingā, The New England Journal of Medicine, 380(6), pp. 559-568. Web.
Schatzberg, A. (2019) āScientific issues relevant to improving the diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment of major depressionā, The American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(5), pp. 342-347. Web.