MANIC DEPRESSIVE PSYCHOSIS Melancholic phase in an older patient
How old are you madam?
71
71...You have been hospitalized here for a few days, can you tell us why?
Because I was exhausted. My brother came and brought me here because I was exhausted
Is that so?
How do you feel physically?
I have no strength left...I have no strength left
And how is your eating?
I can't eat any more. I no longer have the strength to eat.
What do you mean by that? What stops you from eating?
I just can’t eat...I don’t have the strength to eat.
Is there a particular reason why you are in such a state?
I was overworked.
How long have you been feeling this way?
Since... I don't know. Maybe since 15 days ago
And before that?
I was active, I'd walk places...
You walked? Would you go shopping? Were there activities you enjoyed?
Yes
And did this great fatigue appear suddenly?
I must've done too much. I was babysitting a 2 year old child...And after she left I started to feel so tired.
So right before you came to hospital and were at home, what were you doing?
I couldn't do anything.
You stayed in bed?
Yes
All day?
[Nods]
How do you see for the future?
Very dark
Do you think we will be able to help you?
I don't know.
Have you felt like this...this type of extreme fatigue before?
Yes. A long time ago.
What about the opposite...Were there periods when you were very happy and energetic?
Yes...
Sometimes like this, other times like that
Are you still interested in things that used to make you happy?
[shakes head]
No. Nothing interests me anymore.
Do you still watch TV, for example?
No, it tires me.
What activities did you used to do? Reading, sewing...?
Yes, sewing, reading. I used to babysit and watch TV, but I can't anymore.
You can't because you are too tired, or because you're no longer interested?
Both.
Do these periods of exhaustion recur often?
Not often...once in a while.
I see. How old were you when it first happened?
I was 28.
You also said that there were times when you were intensely happy?
Yes
And what was happening at that time?
I don't know. But I was elated.
What is the matter?
I am so tired
Are you able to sleep?
A bit, at night. A bit.
And eating is a problem?
I force myself
What would you like to happen?
I don't think I can get better.
It is too late at my age.
What do you foresee in the immediate future?
I don't know
I am very unhappy, and there is nothing that can be done about it