Sample interview questions: How do you handle instances where patients express feelings of sadness or depression?
Sample answer:
Addressing Sadness and Depression in Patients
As a psychiatric nurse, I employ a comprehensive approach to address instances where patients express feelings of sadness or depression:
1. Active Listening and Validation:
- Create a safe and non-judgmental environment for patients to express their feelings.
- Listen attentively to their perspectives and validate their experiences.
- Use empathetic language that shows understanding and compassion, e.g., “I understand that you’re feeling down right now.”
2. Assessment and Diagnosis:
- Conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity and duration of depressive symptoms.
- Rule out any underlying medical conditions or substance use disorders that may contribute to sadness or depression.
- Utilize diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to establish a diagnosis, if appropriate.
3. Psychotherapeutic Interventions:
- Employ evidence-based psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
- Help patients identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sadness or depression.
- Foste… Read full answer
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