QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is the correct answer. SSRIs do not always work for patients with depression but if they have a beneficial effect it will be seen within 4 weeks of starting treatment. It is vital to counsel patients that they may feel worse initially, including worsened suicidal ideation. They should be advised of how to seek urgent review if this is the case.
10035842
a
The medication usually will work within 4 weeks of commencing treatment, but the patient may experience worsening symptoms initially
QuestionChoice
SSRIs usually have a beneficial effect within 4 weeks of starting treatment but can make patients feel worse initially, especially within the first 2 weeks of starting treatment.
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b
The medication will start to work immediately
QuestionChoice
Although a beneficial effect is expected to be seen within the first 4 weeks of treatment, SSRIs must be taken daily.
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e
The medication will be more effective if taken twice a week, with a beneficial effect seen within 4 weeks of starting treatment
QuestionChoice
Although SSRIs can make patients feel worse initially, a beneficial effect should be seen within 4 weeks of starting treatment.
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c
The medication will cause a worsening of symptoms for a month and a beneficial effect is normally seen within 6 months
QuestionChoice
SSRIs usually have a beneficial effect within 4 weeks of starting treatment, a year is much too long to wait before trying alternative treatment options.
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d
The medication must be taken for a year before a beneficial effect is seen
Concept
Chapter
2693
6156
Depression
Topic
332
Psychiatry
19572
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline typically show effects within four weeks, though initial worsening of symptoms may occur.
A 23-year-old male has recently been diagnosed with moderate depression after experiencing low mood, anhedonia and fatigue for the past 4 months. He has also been noticing poor focus and sleep, often waking up at 4AM and unable to get back to sleep. He is awaiting an appointment for cognitive behavioural therapy but would like to trial medication and is therefore started on sertraline. The patient would like to know when he will start to see the positive effects of the medication.

What is the most appropriate advice to offer?
a