A 24-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-week history of low mood, anhedonia, fatigue and poor concentration. There is no past psychiatric hist...

Question

A 24-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-week history of low mood, anhedonia, fatigue and poor concentration. There is no past psychiatric history. She denies suicidal ideation. Physical examination and basic investigations are unremarkable. According to Australian primary care guidelines, which initial approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Provide psychoeducation and arrange brief psychological therapy (e.g. cognitive behavioural strategies) with close follow-up

Answer

Immediate referral to an inpatient psychiatric unit

Answer

Start an SSRI and arrange regular follow-up

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines for 4 weeks and review

Answer

No active treatment is necessary as this will resolve spontaneously

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Major depressive disorder (mild-moderate)