Tab 1 · Case Study
Client Profile — Mr. S
A 16-year-old client receiving evidence-based treatment for Major Depressive Disorder at MindBridge.
Confidentiality Notice
Background Information
Name
Mr. S (Anonymous used to protect client privacy)
Age
16 years old
Nationality
Emirati (United Arab Emirates)
Education
Grade 10 — secondary school student in GAA
Family background
Lives with both parents and two younger siblings. Father works long hours; maternal aunt has a history of depression.
Social relationships
Previously sociable; has withdrawn from his close friend group over the past 8 months. Limited contact outside of school.
Relevant life experiences
Loss of his grandfather (a primary caregiver) 10 months ago; ongoing academic pressure ahead of national exams.
Presenting Symptoms
- Persistent low mood and tearfulness on most days for over 6 months
- Loss of interest in football, gaming, and time with friends (anhedonia)
- Fatigue and low energy — struggles to get out of bed for school
- Disturbed sleep: difficulty falling asleep, early-morning waking
- Reduced appetite and a noticeable loss of weight
- Difficulty concentrating, leading to a drop in academic performance
Abnormal Thoughts and Behaviors
- Recurrent negative thoughts: "I'm a burden to my family"
- Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt over his grandfather's death
- Social withdrawal — avoiding friends, family gatherings, and team practice
- Passive hopelessness about the future (no active suicidal plan; risk monitored)
Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities
- Biological: family history of depression (maternal aunt); adolescent neurochemical changes
- Psychological: introverted temperament, perfectionistic thinking style
- Social: recent bereavement, reduced peer contact, academic pressure
- Cultural: stigma around mental health may delay help-seeking in the region
DSM-5 Diagnosis
Primary diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, single episode (DSM-5 code 296.22)
Specifier: Moderate severity, with anxious distress
Rule-outs: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), adjustment disorder with depressed mood, bereavement-related grief
Definition of the Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder defined by the DSM-5-TR as the presence of five or more depressive symptoms — including depressed mood or loss of interest — for at least two consecutive weeks, causing clinically significant distress or impairment. In adolescents, mood may present as irritability rather than sadness. Lifetime prevalence in teenagers is roughly 15–20%, with onset most common between ages 15 and 25. MDD is distinct from ordinary sadness or grief because of its duration, intensity, and the functional impairment it causes across school, family, and social life.
Our Recovery Plan for Mr. S
MindBridge follows a structured, evidence-based pathway combining psychotherapy, lifestyle change, family involvement, and — where appropriate — medical care. The plan below outlines the steps we are taking to support Mr. S's recovery.
- 1
Step 1 — Comprehensive Intake & Risk Assessment
Initial clinical interview, PHQ-9 and BDI-II screening, and safety/risk assessment with parental involvement. Establish therapeutic rapport.
- 2
Step 2 — Psychoeducation for Client & Family
Educate Mr. S and his parents about Major Depressive Disorder — that it is a treatable medical condition, not weakness — and reduce cultural stigma around seeking help.
- 3
Step 3 — Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Weekly 50-minute CBT sessions for 12–16 weeks to identify and restructure negative automatic thoughts (e.g., 'I'll never feel okay again'), and build behavioural activation.
- 4
Step 4 — Behavioural Activation & Lifestyle Plan
Gradual re-engagement with football and friendships, a consistent sleep schedule, regular exercise, and reduced late-night screen use.
- 5
Step 5 — Medical Consultation (if indicated)
Referral to a child & adolescent psychiatrist to evaluate whether an SSRI (e.g., fluoxetine, the first-line option approved for adolescents) should be added to therapy.
- 6
Step 6 — Family & School Collaboration
Coordinate with parents and the school counsellor to adjust academic load, monitor progress, and create a supportive home environment.
- 7
Step 7 — Monitoring & Relapse Prevention
Bi-weekly mood tracking, repeat PHQ-9 every 4 weeks, and a written relapse-prevention plan identifying early warning signs and coping strategies.
Client Interview
A recorded clinical interview with Mr. S, conducted by our team. This interview illustrates rapport-building, open-ended questioning, and active listening techniques.
Video Coming Soon
Paste your interview link into the interviewVideoUrl variable at the top of src/routes/client-profile.tsx. Supports YouTube embed URLs (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID) or direct .mp4 file links.
Timeline of Contributing Life Events
Childhood
Close relationship with paternal grandfather, who lived with the family. Described as a happy, curious child.
Age 13
Family relocation within the UAE; struggled briefly to adjust to a new school but recovered.
Age 15
Grandfather passed away unexpectedly. Mr. S began experiencing low mood and sleep disturbance.
Age 15–16
Academic performance declined; withdrew from football team and social activities.
Present (Age 16)
Referred to MindBridge by school counsellor after expressing persistent hopelessness and fatigue.