21 board-style questions on ssris & antidepressants in the PulseMD family medicine question bank — physician-reviewed, written against current guidelines with the reference cited on each question. Two free samples below; the full set with answers, explanations, and spaced review is free to start.
A 26-year-old woman presents with recurrent episodes of sudden-onset palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, trembling, and an overwhelming fear of dying. Episodes last 10-15 minutes, occur unpredictably 2-3 times per week, and have occasionally awakened her from sleep. She has visited the emergency department three times in the past month; each time cardiac workup including ECG, troponin, and echocardiography was normal. She has begun avoiding driving alone, grocery stores, and social gatherings for fear of having an episode in public. What is the most appropriate long-term treatment strategy?
A 42-year-old woman presents with 4 weeks of persistent sadness, anhedonia, fatigue, poor concentration, insomnia, and a 10-pound weight loss. She reports feeling worthless and has passive thoughts of death but denies a specific plan or intent. Her PHQ-9 score is 18 (moderately severe). She has no prior psychiatric history and takes no medications. What is the most appropriate initial treatment plan?
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