Analysis of Janet's Depression: A Psychology Case Study

This case study analysis focuses on Janet, a patient experiencing depression, exploring various factors contributing to her condition, including divorce, financial constraints, and a self-conscious childhood. The analysis delves into the mechanisms of depression, referencing theories like the response style theory and hopelessness theory. Furthermore, it examines the prescribed treatment, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), detailing their mechanism of action and benefits, while also considering potential side effects and limitations. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches for depression, offering valuable insights into the complexities of this mental health disorder and the role of medication in its management.

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT NAME-
Case Study Analysis
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT NAME-
Answer 1
Depression or major depressive disorder, refers to the mental state that is characterized by
persistent low mood during all situations, and is often accompanied by a loss of interest in
enjoyable activities, social withdrawal and the low self esteem. Depression is found to affect
people in different ways, and not everyone diagnosed with it experiences all symptoms. Several
factors increased the likelihood of Janet from manifesting symptoms that pertain to depression
(Oltmanns, Martin, Davison & Neale, 2011). Divorce from her husband David was an initial
stressful circumstance that might have contributed to depression, since divorces can be heart-
rending experiences and are accompanied by chronic stress. Adjusting to a life after separation
can take few weeks to years, during which an individual might experience range of emotions and
become more susceptible to depression (Stack & Scourfield, 2015). This traumatic life event
might result in adjustment problems that ultimately led to situational depression in Janet.
Following her divorce, her financial constraints also increased her likelihood of suffering from
depression. Poor financial health have often been associated to poor mental health, including
depression that is thrice more likely to occur in an individual who is in debt (Uebelacker et al.,
2013).
Extreme emotions related to self-consciousness have also been recognised unhealthy that
might have worsened the symptoms (Kring, Johnson, Davison & Neale, 2013). The self
conscious, introspective and broody childhood might have increased her tendency to think about
herself. According to the response style theory, repetitive and passive thinking about the
symptoms of depression and its consequences result in low self-esteem (Michl, McLaughlin,
Shepherd & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2013). Janet’s condition can also be explained by the
hopelessness theory that emphasised on the presence of depression among individuals with

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negative attribution style, generally referred to as pessimistic or depressogenic attribution style
(Liu, Kleiman, Nestor & Cheek, 2015). Hence, the aforementioned factors might have interacted
with the stressful conditions in which Janet lived, subsequently increasing her vulnerability to
depression.
Answer 2
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the drugs that have been prescribed for
Janet, following her suicidal ideations are recognised as the mainstay treatment owing to fewer
side effects and less toxicity, upon comparison with other antidepressants. Usually, the areas of
the brain involved in regulating mood and sending messages with the use of serotonin, might fail
to function properly in depression. During the transmission of impulses facilitated by release of
neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft, the receptors located on postsynaptic membrane
recognise the neurotransmitter that results in relay of signals. However, approximately 10% of
such neurotransmitters get lost in the process of impulse conduction, while the other 90% is
taken up by monoamine transmitters and sent to the presynaptic cells through a process,
commonly termed reuptake (Kring et al. 2013). The basic mechanism of action of these drugs
focus on increasing extracellular levels of serotonin neurotransmitter, which in turn is brought
about by restricting on creating limits, on its reuptake of its absorption, into the presynaptic bulb
(Herzallah et al., 2013).
Owing to its role in inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter, serotonin remains in the
synaptic cleft for a longer time, than it would normally stay and this might result in stimulating
the receptors of the postsynaptic membrane. Commonly used SSRIs include fluoxetine,
citalopram, escitalopram and fluvoxamine. Moreover, research evidences have also established

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the fact that administration of SSRIs in the form of antidepressants, are often associated with
decrease in the level of cytokines during inflammation. These drugs have also been found to
reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-γ, and TNF, which in
turn results in a decrease in levels of inflammation and activation of immune responses (Walker,
2013). One major benefit of SSRI is the fact that they are well tolerated and have little or no
withdrawal effects on overdose. However, higher acquisition costs, and side effects related to
sexual problems, non-adherence and relapse of symptoms should be considered before
administration.

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References
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