PATIENT GUIDE
Step 1: Choose one of the following vulnerable patients to create a Medication Guide for the patient:
• Patient 1: 26-year-old female with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder who is increasing in isolation and poor self-care. She is in her third trimester of pregnancy.
• Patient 2: 16-year-old male with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, severe. He has seen a therapist weekly for the past 6 months and has had minimal change in symptoms. He has expressed thoughts of wanting to die.
• Patient 3: 72-year-old male with diagnosis of major depressive disorder and panic disorder. He has cardiac history and takes antihypertensive medications.
• Patient 4: 8-year-old Asian female with a diagnosis of severe depressive disorder presents to the office with a report of worsening symptoms. She has never taken psychotropic medication before.
Step 2: Create a Medication Guide for a patient. In your guide, you should provide the following specific instructions for the patient:
• Describe the chosen classification of medications, from the classification category, for your chosen vulnerable patient. Explain your rationale for your choice.
• Explain what dose you would start the chosen medication with and the frequency.
• Discuss how the medication works to treat their symptoms.
• Explain how long they should take the medication.
• Discuss the typical or common side effects of the medication.
• Explain the urgent or emergent considerations for the patient taking the medication.
Sample Answer
Medication Guide for Patient 1: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Patient: 26-year-old female with major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Rationale for Medication Choice:
Due to the patient’s pregnancy, medication options are limited. SSRIs are generally considered the safest class of antidepressants for pregnant women. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.