A 38-year-old man presents to his GP with low mood, anhedonia and fatigue for 3 months. He reports difficulty functioning at work but denies suicidal ...

Question

A 38-year-old man presents to his GP with low mood, anhedonia and fatigue for 3 months. He reports difficulty functioning at work but denies suicidal ideation. PHQ-9 suggests moderate depression. He has not previously been treated. What is the most appropriate first-line management?

Accepted Answer

Offer high-intensity psychological therapy and start an SSRI such as Sertraline

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines as monotherapy

Answer

Arrange immediate inpatient psychiatric admission

Answer

Advise self-help only with no follow-up

Answer

Start tricyclic antidepressants as first-line

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Moderate depressive episode

A 38-year-old man presents to his GP with low mood, anhedonia and fatigue for 3 months. He reports difficulty functioning at work but denies suicidal ideation. PHQ-9 suggests moderate depression. He has not previously been treated. What is the most appropriate first-line management?