Question

A 45-year-old man with a long history of heavy alcohol use presents with low mood, insomnia, and poor appetite for 3 weeks. He stopped drinking abruptly 2 weeks ago. According to Canadian guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management approach?

Accepted Answer

Treat his alcohol use disorder and reassess mood after a period of sustained abstinence

Answer

Diagnose major depressive disorder and start an SSRI immediately

Answer

Ignore his alcohol history and treat as primary anxiety disorder

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines long term to help with sleep

Answer

Refer for electroconvulsive therapy as first-line

Practice question

A 45-year-old man with a long history of heavy alcohol use presents with low mood, insomnia, and poor appetite for 3 weeks. He stopped drinking abruptly 2 weeks ago. According to Canadian guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management approach?