What is the most appropriate management for a 44-year-old woman presenting with fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the most appropriate management for a 44-year-old woman who is experiencing symptoms of depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. This involves assessing the best treatment option for her condition based on the symptoms described.
Answer
Evaluate for major depressive disorder and consider psychotherapy or antidepressants.
The most appropriate management for a 44-year-old woman presenting with fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness is to consider evaluation and treatment for major depressive disorder. Psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or a combination of both may be recommended.
Answer for screen readers
The most appropriate management for a 44-year-old woman presenting with fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness is to consider evaluation and treatment for major depressive disorder. Psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or a combination of both may be recommended.
More Information
Symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness are indicative of depression, possibly linked to perimenopausal changes if applicable. Treatment typically involves addressing the mood disorder directly.
Tips
A common mistake is to treat symptoms separately (e.g., just prescribing sleep aids) without addressing the underlying mood disorder.
Sources
- Depression and dementia | Alzheimer's Society - alzheimers.org.uk
- Depression and Sleep - Sleep Foundation - sleepfoundation.org
- Major depressive disorder - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
