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SSRI early treatment risk — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsSSRI early treatment riskGPhC CRA

A 22-year-old woman starts sertraline 50mg daily for depression. She returns after eight days saying nausea has settled but she feels more agitated and has had fleeting thoughts of self-harm. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: E — Arrange urgent clinical review and assess immediate safety

Young adults starting antidepressants require monitoring for suicidal thoughts, agitation and worsening mood. New self-harm thoughts should prompt urgent assessment of immediate risk and prescriber review. Stopping or increasing treatment without clinical review is unsafe. The pharmacist should respond actively while maintaining a supportive, non-judgemental approach.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Depression