Question

A 22-year-old university student presents with a 2-week history of low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. She has no past psychiatric history and no suicidal ideation. She scores 12 on the PHQ-9. According to NICE CG90, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Advise watchful waiting and arrange a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks

Answer

Prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Answer

Refer for high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Answer

Offer a low-intensity psychosocial intervention (e.g., guided self-help, computerized CBT)

Answer

Prescribe a benzodiazepine for sleep

Practice question

A 22-year-old university student presents with a 2-week history of low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. She has no past psychiatric history and no suicidal ideation. She scores 12 on the PHQ-9. According to NICE CG90, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?