Question

A 46-year-old African-American male co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents for his routine medical appointment. Incarcerated for the past three years, he often reports sadness and irritability, but has been reluctant to "take another pill." He has been prescribed a twice-daily regimen of Combivir and Kaletra and has achieved an undetectable viral load and CD4 cell count of 750 cells/mm3. This inmate has a past history of intravenous "speedballing" of heroin and cocaine, but denies prior psychotropic medication trials. With the death of his mother three months ago, he complains of a progression of his depression with persistent low mood, frequent anger episodes, insomnia with early morning awakening and passive thoughts of dying. He seems despondent but sincere in his presentation and assertions of safety. He is now agreeable to help, including medication, if necessary.

After asking the client's name, DOB, allergies, and home address. What would be the next seven questions I can ask this client? and a rationale to why those information.

Answer 1

“In the past two weeks, how often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?

“Have you had any thoughts of suicide?”

“How is your sleep?”

“How is your energy?”

“Do you prefer to stay at home rather than going out and doing new things?”

Do you feel lonely even when there is a lot around you

Do you often think why you should live

do you find your food tasty