How does your differential compare with the experts?
What physical exam maneuvers would you like to perform?
Experts’ DDX:
- 1. Major depression – top of list (moderate to moderately severe)
- 1.1. Single episode
- 1.2. Melancholic
- 2. Medical condition
- 2.1. Thyroid (hyper; or hypo) – needs to be checked
- 2.2. Autoimmune disease – fairly low
- 2.3. DM
- 3. Substance related
- 3.1 Legal drugs
Steroids, cardiac meds, birth control pills, sleep meds (barbs, benzos), anticonvulsants, Antihistamines - 3.2. Illicit drugs – lower until a drug screen is done
Alcohol, marijuana, K2, synthetic marijuana, opiates (heroin), methamphetamine, cocaine
- 3.1 Legal drugs
- 4. Anxiety disorder with depressive features – very less likely
- 5. Personality disorders – much less likely
- 5.1. Borderline personality disorder
- 6. Depression (premenstrual dysphoric disorder – PMDD) –– put lower
- 7. Pregnancy