A 35-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of low mood, poor concentration, loss of interest, and hypersomnia. She has a history of bipolar I...

Question

A 35-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of low mood, poor concentration, loss of interest, and hypersomnia. She has a history of bipolar I disorder with past manic episodes. She is currently not taking mood stabilisers. Which pharmacologic approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Start a mood stabiliser such as lithium and avoid antidepressant monotherapy

Answer

Start SSRI monotherapy

Answer

Start tricyclic antidepressant monotherapy

Answer

No pharmacotherapy is required

Answer

Start benzodiazepines only

Bipolar depression - avoiding antidepressant monotherapy — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

A 35-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of low mood, poor concentration, loss of interest, and hypersomnia. She has a history of bipolar I disorder with past manic episodes. She is currently not taking mood stabilisers. Which pharmacologic approach is most appropriate?