Ms. Z is a 35-year-old African American woman and the mother of two children. She was previously admitted to a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. She is prescribed antidepressant medication; however, her depressed mood continues.
Ms. Z has received mental health services since she was 18 years old due to reported “mood swings.” However, her depression became more severe over the past three years. She received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which provided temporary relief, allowing her to return to work after treatment.
Ms. Z completed high school and two years of college. She is employed as an office manager at a local insurance company. Her husband also works for the same company. He is reportedly very supportive and assumes most of the home responsibilities during her depression.
Ms. Z is looking for recommendations on whether she should return to school to complete a four-year degree and wants to gain diagnostic insight given her history of mental health concerns.