Anxiety and depression are the most common psychiatric problems you will encounter in your primary care practice.

Review this case study

HPI: KB, 55 year old Caucasian female who presents to office with complaints of fatigue. The fatigue has been present for 6 months and seems worse in the morning, improving slightly through the day. KB reports a lack of energy and "loss of joy". States" I really don't feel like going anywhere or doing anything" Reports she often has difficulty staying on task and completing projects for work. She reports not feeling hungry and does not feel rested when she wakes up in the morning. KB is a widow for 2 years, social events that are couples only can make her symptoms worse. She tries to do at least one social activity a week but it can be really exhausting. Her husband died in their car while she was driving him to the hospital and sometimes driving in that car makes all the memories come back. She recently got a puppy, which she thought would help with the loneliness but the care of the puppy seems overwhelming at times. Rest and exercise, specifically yoga and meditation seem to make her feel better. At this time she does not want to do either. She has not tried any medications, prescribed or otherwise. She reports drinking a lot of coffee, but that does not seem to help.

Current medications: Excedrin PM about once a week when she can't sleep, seems to help a bit. NKDA.

PMH: no major illnesses. Immunizations up to date.

SH: widowed, employed full time as a manager. Drinks wine, 1 glass every night. No tobacco, no illicit drugs. Previously married while living in France, reports an abusive relationship. The French government gave custody of her son to the ex-husband. She returned to US without her son 10 years ago. She sees her son two times a year, they skype and text "all the time" but she misses him.

FH: Parents are alive and well. Has one son, age 21, he is healthy but lives in France with his father.

ROS

CONSTITUTIONAL: reports weight loss of 2-3 pounds, no fever, chills, or weakness reported

HEENT: Eyes: No visual loss, blurred vision, double vision or yellow sclera. Ears, Nose, Throat: No hearing loss, sneezing, congestion, runny nose or sore throat.