A 32-year-old man presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and reduced appetite for 2 months. He is still working but struggling. There is no his...

Question

A 32-year-old man presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and reduced appetite for 2 months. He is still working but struggling. There is no history of self-harm, psychosis or bipolar disorder. PHQ-9 score suggests moderate depression. What is the most appropriate first-line management?

Accepted Answer

Offer either cognitive behavioural therapy or an SSRI as first-line treatment

Answer

Offer guided self-help or low-intensity psychological intervention alone

Answer

Start a tricyclic antidepressant such as Amitriptyline immediately

Answer

Arrange urgent hospital admission for all moderate depression

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines for long-term use

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Moderate depressive episode

A 32-year-old man presents with low mood, anhedonia, poor sleep and reduced appetite for 2 months. He is still working but struggling. There is no history of self-harm, psychosis or bipolar disorder. PHQ-9 score suggests moderate depression. What is the most appropriate first-line management?