A 22-year-old man has come to a Veterans Administration clinic following a tour of duty in Iraq. He complains of uncontrollable anger and states that he "hates himself and is depressed because of a recent arrest for a fight in a tavern."

Question

The nurse suspects the man will be diagnosed with:
A) Situational depression
B) Posttraumatic stress disorder
C) Schizophrenia
D) Acute depression

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback: Posttraumatic stress disorder is a condition that generates waves of anxiety, anger, aggression, depression, suspicion, and threatens a person's sense of self. Posttraumatic stress disorder interferes with daily functioning, and combat is frequently associated with the disorder. Option A, situational depression, and Option D, acute depression, are good answers. The patient states that is depressed, but the circumstances that surround the case, tour of duty in Iraq, uncontrollable anger, and aggression, all suggest posttraumatic stress disorder. Option C is incorrect; although people with schizophrenia may present with depression, there are no other cues that suggest the disorder.