Counseling as Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a Woman Participating Radical Organization: A Case Study

DOI

10.2991/iciap-18.2019.26How to use a DOI?

Keywords

counseling, major depressive disorder, depression, radical organization

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. Despite the bulk of literature on effective treatments for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that has been published, the discussion regarding treatment for depression related to involvement in radical organizations has remained sparse in recent publications. Based on the increase in radical organization involvement in society, additional research is needed. This clinical case study describes the assessment and treatment of a 30-year-old woman with MDD symptoms. The participant in this study reported symptoms of MDD, that is, a sense of emptiness, worthlessness, insomnia, loss of energy, and recurrent suicidal ideation. These symptoms have been present during the 6 months after the completion of her study, and she had no outside activities. Moreover, she felt disappointed and regretted her life. In addition to showing MDD symptoms, she also restricted interpersonal contact. She became relatively isolated and did not have extensive social support that could help her weather crises. Considering that counseling by a mental health professional has been used to help people develop more effective, satisfying, and productive ways of living, counseling may be a good fit for the treatment. This research uses a pre–post single-subject design. For this research, we use the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as the psychological measurement. The data obtained from the BDI is also supported by observations and an interview during the session. Based on the interview, this case study is in accordance with the humanistic approach. Therefore, counseling was chosen as a method for the treatment. To manage these symptoms, the intervention was held in five sessions (90–120 minutes each). Data analysis is conducted qualitatively by comparing the BDI score before and after the intervention. After five sessions of intervention and 5 months of follow-up, MDD symptoms display a clinically significant decrease. Depressive symptoms as measured by the BDI demonstrate a clinically significant reduction from 28 at pre-treatment to 10 at the 5-month follow-up. The effectiveness of the treatment was also measured by using an interview and observations in every session. In the last session of the intervention, the participant reported that she no longer has suicidal ideation and attempted to open up to her mother. Additionally, 5 months after the last session, the participant conveyed that she is occupationally functioning and willing to open herself up to not only to her mother but also her friends. She also has an awareness to develop her passion.

Copyright

© 2019, the Authors. Published by Atlantis Press.

Open Access

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

Download article (PDF)

TY  - CONF
AU  - Hasna Nadira
AU  - Indira Primasari
PY  - 2019/08
DA  - 2019/08
TI  - Counseling as Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a Woman Participating Radical Organization: A Case Study
BT  - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Intervention and Applied Psychology (ICIAP 2018)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 308
EP  - 317
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/iciap-18.2019.26
DO  - 10.2991/iciap-18.2019.26
ID  - Nadira2019/08
ER  -