Scenarios

Maria – Scenario 1

Maria gave birth to her son 4 weeks ago and she’s been struggling with postpartum depression. She came into an outpatient services provider based on the referral from her obstetrician. Her physician recommended an anti-depressant, but Maria refused because she doesn’t want the medication to affect her ability to breastfeed.  Two years ago, following a miscarriage Maria experienced the same symptoms of psychomotor retardation, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death, depressed mood, and feelings of worthlessness. That episode lasted 3 months and then went away. Maria loves her son but is worried about her depression impacting her ability to take care of him. 

Which diagnostic assessment type may be the best to begin with for Maria?