Jerry is the protagonist in the short story “For it is just this question of pain that parts us?” by Anne Enright. Jerry suffers from depression and anxiety resulting from his life circumstances and observations of his family, friends, and society overall. Based on Jerry’s behavior described in the text, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) would be appropriate for him.
Major Depressive Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of symptoms including but not limited to depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, significant weight change, insomnia or hypersomnia; psychomotor agitation or retardation; fatigue or loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness/guilt/inadequacy; diminished ability to concentrate; indecisiveness; recurrent thoughts about death without suicidal intent (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). As described in the story, Jerry experienced these symptoms as he felt an inexplicable sadness and hopelessness due to his financial status as well as feeling like he was stuck in an endless loop out of which there was no escape. He became anxious when talking to others because he felt they were judging him based on how much money he made compared to them. This caused him to be socially isolated due to lack of confidence and self esteem leading him into worsening depressive states such as increased lethargy, guilt over not accomplishing goals set for himself earlier in life, decreased concentration skills due lack nervousness associated with interacting with people who had wealth compared to himself which led into more feelings worthlessness/guilt/inadequacy (APA, 2013).
Provide a DSM diagnosis for Jerry in the short story “For it is just this question of pain that parts us”
Anxiety Disorders NOS are characterized by clinically significant anxiety that does not meet criteria for other specific types such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder etc., It involves excessive fear or worry disproportionate given situation experienced by individual at some period during their lives such as increased heart rate causing difficulty breathing (APA ,2013). In addition subtle behaviors like fidgeting when around others displaying signs wealth can also classified under Anxiety NOS thus diagnosed Jerry experience panic attacks while talking strangers whom appear wealthier than him would fit criteria present here too since they have same effect upon his general functioning depressive nature itself being one symptom this condition overall making up total picture what going through mind .
In conclusion Major Depressive Disorder combined with Anxiety Disorders Not Otherwise Specified provide good clinical basis for diagnosing Jerry’s condition seen throughout text mentioned above. His sadness has become a part living everyday day-to-day activities leading severe levels anxiety due comparison between himself those around him regarding socioeconomical status further adding onto already existing depression only worsens situation presented help seek professional support address root causes behind behaviors manifested throughout story better chance resolving issues ultimately allowing find peace within self once again .