 Key features of depression and its management in general practice. |
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"..I'm
not like I was before.."
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| Which of the following statements are true for Ellen? |
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1. Patients who are started on antidepressants should be seen weekly for the first six weeks. |
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2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors usually start to work within the first week of treatment. |
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3. Full recovery may take 6 weeks or longer when using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. |
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4. A 25% or greater reduction in baseline symptom severity is an adequate therapeutic response. |
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5. The antidepressants should be continued for at least six months. |
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1. Patients who are started on antidepressants should be seen weekly for the first six weeks.
Author's answer: True
Patients with major depression who are started on antidepressants should be seen weekly and those with less severe illness every 10 to 14 days during the initial 6 to 8 weeks of pharmacotherapy. This schedule optimises patient compliance, facilitates dosage adjustment, and permits more careful monitoring.
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