Abstract
Objective
A patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) was receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A little over halfway through the course the patient was bereaved and experienced normal sadness. Our objective is to describe the tracking and outcome of this common emotionally distressing event.
Method
Routine assessments conducted at the centre include the six-item Hamiton depression rating (HAMD6) scale, the Clinical Global Impression—Severity (CGI-S) scale, and the Subjective Depression Scale (SDS6). In addition, the Daily Sadness Scale (DSS) is applied at each treatment day; this is a single question asking how much sadness/depression is being experienced.
Results
On the 19th treatment day, the patient was bereaved and experienced appropriate sadness. The pathological state (MDD) resolved, as reflected by changes in the psychometric tools. Following the death, normal sadness emerged and lessened over a few weeks.
Conclusion
This case illustrates that while TMS can effectively treat MDD, it does not prevent the emergence of sadness in uncomplicated bereavement.
Keywords
Access This Article
Choose an access option below to view the full article.
