A 42-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of low mood, anhedonia, poor concentration and early morning wakening. There are no psychotic featur...

Question

A 42-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of low mood, anhedonia, poor concentration and early morning wakening. There are no psychotic features, and he denies suicidal ideation. He has no significant medical history. According to CANMAT guidelines, what is an appropriate first-line treatment approach for moderate major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) plus evidence-based psychotherapy

Answer

Watchful waiting without active treatment

Answer

A tricyclic antidepressant as first-line pharmacotherapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy as first-line

Answer

Benzodiazepine monotherapy

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Major depressive disorder first-line treatment