Question

A 19-year-old university student presents with increasing anxiety, restlessness and difficulty sleeping for 8 months. She drinks several energy drinks daily but denies substance misuse or suicidal ideation. She is requesting a prescription for benzodiazepines. According to Canadian practice standards, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Discuss non-pharmacologic strategies, consider an SSRI, and provide brief CBT-based interventions while limiting benzodiazepines to short-term adjunctive use if needed.

Answer

Prescribe long-term benzodiazepines as monotherapy for generalised anxiety disorder.

Answer

Reassure her that symptoms are normal and require no treatment.

Answer

Prescribe a sedating antipsychotic for sleep.

Answer

Recommend she stop caffeine abruptly and avoid further assessment.

Practice question