A 19-year-old university student presents with a 2-week history of low mood, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating during exams. She denies suicidal...

Question

A 19-year-old university student presents with a 2-week history of low mood, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating during exams. She denies suicidal thoughts and is functioning reasonably. She asks for antidepressants. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Offer active monitoring and discuss non-pharmacological strategies

Answer

Start SSRI immediately

Answer

Admit her to hospital for observation

Answer

Start Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tell her this is normal and offer no follow-up

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Subthreshold depressive symptoms

A 19-year-old university student presents with a 2-week history of low mood, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating during exams. She denies suicidal thoughts and is functioning reasonably. She asks for antidepressants. What is the most appropriate management?