biracial female
Olivia is a 16-year-old biracial female. She reports feeling down and depressed nearly every day for the past 2 weeks. She has also withdrawn from drama club, an extracurricular activity that she previously enjoyed. She denies any recent losses or being bullied but feels that her ability to concentrate has decreased. Her mother shares that Olivia is spending more time sleeping or napping alone in her room, seems sullen and withdrawn and irritable when she does interact with family. Olivia’s mother notes that Olivia’s appetite has declined and that Olivia remarks that she is not hungry with most meals. Olivia’s mother tells the provider that Olivia does not seem interested in most of her usual activities or her phone. Olivia comments to the provider that she feels that her family and friends would be better off if she “weren’t around.” She denies thoughts or plans of hurting herself or others.
Select a first-line medication, based on tolerability and low side effect profile, for the treatment of her severe depression. Please include the available evidence and treatment guidelines. Share the mechanism of action of this medication and hints for monitoring, side effects, and drug interactions, including interactions with CAM. Identify an additional (possibly off-labeled) use of the medication not related to depression or psychosis. Discuss evidence and treatment guidelines to determine appropriate therapeutic options for this patient. Include the name of the medication in the subject line so that the medications can be followed. Include references using APA format.
