A 36-year-old woman presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and impaired functioning for 2 months. She has no psychotic symptoms or suicidality ...

Question

A 36-year-old woman presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and impaired functioning for 2 months. She has no psychotic symptoms or suicidality but scores in the moderate range on a depression scale. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and arrange psychological therapy

Answer

Watchful waiting only

Answer

Start tricyclic antidepressant as first-line

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines only

Answer

Refer immediately for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Major depressive disorder

A 36-year-old woman presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and impaired functioning for 2 months. She has no psychotic symptoms or suicidality but scores in the moderate range on a depression scale. What is the most appropriate initial management?