A 73-year-old woman with no previous psychiatric history presents with a 6-week history of low mood, guilt, weight loss, early morning wakening, and a...

Question

A 73-year-old woman with no previous psychiatric history presents with a 6-week history of low mood, guilt, weight loss, early morning wakening, and active suicidal ideation with a plan. She has been planning to take an overdose of her husband's medication. She lives with her husband and has access to his medication cabinet. What is the MOST urgent action?

Accepted Answer

Refer urgently to the crisis resolution home treatment team or arrange same-day psychiatric assessment, and address immediate safety including restricting access to means

Answer

Start Sertraline 50 mg and review in 2 weeks

Answer

Prescribe Diazepam for her anxiety and review in 4 weeks

Answer

Refer for routine CBT

Answer

Reassure her that these feelings will pass with time

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Suicidal Ideation - Emergency Management