A 42-year-old man presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and impaired concentration for 6 weeks. He denies suicidality. There are no psychotic ...

Question

A 42-year-old man presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and impaired concentration for 6 weeks. He denies suicidality. There are no psychotic or manic features. According to Australian primary care guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and offer psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy

Answer

Start a tricyclic antidepressant at a high dose

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines alone for symptom relief

Answer

Refer for electroconvulsive therapy as first-line treatment

Answer

Provide no treatment and review in 6 months

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Major depressive disorder

A 42-year-old man presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and impaired concentration for 6 weeks. He denies suicidality. There are no psychotic or manic features. According to Australian primary care guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management?