NURS FPX 4015 Assignment 3 Concept Map: The 3Ps and Mental Health Care

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Capella University

NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care

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Concept Map: The 3Ps and Mental Health Management

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common, disabling psychiatric condition marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and various physical and emotional symptoms. It affects about 3.8% of the global population and is more prevalent in women, with severe cases leading to suicide (Kouba et al., 2024). It has a crucial role in increasing death rates linked to chronic illnesses. A strategy for managing MDD involves addressing three core aspects: psychological, physiological, and pharmacological. It is commonly known as the 3Ps. This concept map integrates the 3Ps outline into a case study setting. It provides a stronger understanding of MDD and guides well-rounded, evidence-based care planning.

Case Study

This case focuses on Ivy Jackson, a 61-year-old woman presenting with typical symptoms of MDD. In the aftermath of a recent divorce just three weeks prior, Ivy is facing irresistible tiredness, disturbed sleep, emotional turmoil, and noticeable weight reduction. She denies having any thoughts of self-harm. She has inadequate dietary intake. Her anxiety hindered her ability to manage everyday tasks. She is currently being treated for hypertension and has a pronounced family history of both depression and high blood pressure. This affects her parents and siblings. Her clinical presentation and medical history represent an uncertain diagnosis of MDD. It highlights dual influence on her mental well-being and physical health. A complete case evaluation from Sentinel-U is provided in the Appendix.

Mental Health Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Pathophysiology

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by imbalances in key neurotransmitters—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These disruptions affect mood regulation and cognitive functioning. Ivy’s condition may be linked to both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors, such as her traumatic childhood experience of sexual abuse, which significantly impacts brain chemistry and emotional processing (Cui et al., 2023).

Pharmacological Treatment

Ivy has been prescribed sertraline, an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), primarily used to treat high blood pressure. SSRIs are commonly utilized to manage depressive symptoms by enhancing serotonin levels in the brain. This class of medication is a widely accepted first-line treatment for MDD due to its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms (Murphy et al., 2021).

Risk Factors

Ivy’s risk for developing MDD is increased by multiple contributing factors, including a family history of mental health disorders, cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, and past traumatic experiences. Her history of childhood sexual abuse, social isolation, divorce, and limited emotional support elevate her vulnerability to depressive episodes (Bond et al., 2022).

Diagnostic Procedures

To confirm the MDD diagnosis and exclude other potential conditions, comprehensive diagnostic procedures should be performed. These include patient interviews, the use of standardized screening tools like the PHQ-9, and a full physical examination to evaluate both psychological and physiological symptoms (Cui et al., 2024).

Physical Assessment

Clinical assessment reveals Ivy exhibits classic symptoms of depression, including chronic fatigue, insomnia, significant weight loss, decreased appetite, emotional detachment, and social withdrawal. These physical and behavioral indicators reflect a significant decline in her mental well-being and necessitate comprehensive support (Bond et al., 2022).

Nursing Diagnosis

Ivy’s emotional withdrawal and ongoing grief suggest maladaptive coping related to prolonged depressive symptoms. Her trauma history, isolation, and hopelessness indicate a high risk for continued deterioration in both physical and emotional health. Nursing care should focus on addressing her emotional distress, improving coping mechanisms, and enhancing her support system.

Complications

If left untreated, MDD can become chronic, leading to ongoing psychological decline, repeated relapses, and worsening social isolation. Ivy faces increased risks for impaired daily functioning and diminished quality of life without timely and consistent intervention (Cui et al., 2024).

Nursing Interventions

Recommended interventions include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and continued pharmacologic treatment with SSRIs. Nursing support should focus on helping Ivy develop positive coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and rebuild social engagement to support long-term recovery.

Conclusion

The inclusion of patient education and family involvement alongside the 3Ps model enhances the effectiveness of MDD management. By providing clear information about the disorder, treatment plans, and signs of relapse, healthcare providers empower both patients and their support systems to take an active role in recovery. This collaborative approach fosters emotional resilience, strengthens coping mechanisms, and reduces the sense of isolation. For individuals like Ivy Jackson, such comprehensive support contributes to sustained mental health improvement and a better quality of life.

Reference

Haddad, R. H., Alhusamiah, Haddad, R. H., Aldaieflih, M. M., Yaseen, K., Abuhashish, Y. H., & Alshraideh, J. A. (2024). The effectiveness of using cognitive behavioral therapy and internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy interventions on relapse prevention and severity of symptoms among patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 28(6). https://doi.org/10.1108/mhsi-03-2024-0045

Kim, Y.-K., & Park, S.-C. (2021). An alternative approach to future diagnostic standards for major depressive disorder. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110133

Kouba, B. R., Borba, L., Souza, P., Mohapel, J., & Rodrigues, A. L. S. (2024). Role of inflammatory mechanisms in major depressive disorder: From etiology to potential pharmacological targets. Cells, 13(5), 423. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13050423