Quentin is severely depressed and presents an immediate and serious suicidal risk. In the past he has not responded to tricyclics. A wise course of action is to treat him with
A) Prozac because it can reduce symptoms in 12-24 hours.
B) electroconvulsive therapy because it can rapidly reduce symptoms.
C) lithium because suicide is almost always accompanied by manic episodes.
D) anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and valproate because they can prevent future depressions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a situation where a patient poses an immediate and serious suicidal risk, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective and rapid treatment option. Prozac may take several weeks to have an effect, and lithium is not indicated in cases of severe depression without manic episodes. Anticonvulsants may be used as maintenance therapy to prevent future depressions but are not effective in treating acute suicidal risk.

Quentin Is Severely Depressed and Presents an Immediate and Serious