Quentin Is Severely Depressed and Presents an Immediate and Serious

question 65

Multiple Choice

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) lithium because suicide is almost always accompanied by manic episodes.
• B) anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and valproate because they can prevent future depressions.
• C) Prozac because it can reduce symptoms in 12-24 hours.
• D) electroconvulsive therapy because it can rapidly reduce symptoms.