Question

Difficulty: MediumDepressive Disorders

Match each patient's clinical presentation of major depressive disorder with the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment based on their specific comorbidities and symptom profiles.

  • A 45-year-old patient with major depressive disorder and poorly controlled diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Duloxetine
  • A 28-year-old patient with major depressive disorder who strongly wishes to avoid sexual dysfunction and weight gain.Bupropion
  • A 78-year-old patient with major depressive disorder presenting with severe insomnia and a 10-lb weight loss over the past month.Mirtazapine
  • A 60-year-old patient with major depressive disorder who was hospitalized for a myocardial infarction two weeks ago.Sertraline

Answer

The correct matches link the patient with diabetic neuropathy to Duloxetine; the patient avoiding sexual dysfunction and weight gain to Bupropion; the patient with insomnia and weight loss to Mirtazapine; and the patient with a recent myocardial infarction to Sertraline.
The correct pairings rely on matching the known side effects and secondary indications of antidepressants with specific patient needs. Duloxetine treats neuropathy; bupropion avoids sexual dysfunction; mirtazapine promotes sleep and appetite; and sertraline is safe post-myocardial infarction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first patient's comorbidities.
The patient has diabetic peripheral neuropathy in addition to depression.
Identifying comorbid neuropathic pain guides the selection toward an SNRI like duloxetine, which treats both conditions.
2
Analyze the second patient's specific concerns regarding medication side effects.
The patient wants to avoid sexual dysfunction and weight gain.
This rules out most SSRIs and points toward bupropion, an NDRI with a favorable profile regarding sexual function and weight.
3
Analyze the third patient's specific depressive symptoms.
The patient suffers from severe insomnia and significant weight loss.
This points toward mirtazapine, which is known for its sedating and appetite-stimulating side effects.
4
Analyze the fourth patient's recent medical history.
The patient had a myocardial infarction two weeks ago.
This requires a cardiac-safe antidepressant. Sertraline is the SSRI of choice for patients with ischemic heart disease.

Key Concept

Selecting the most appropriate antidepressant based on side-effect profiles and patient comorbidities.
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