A 34-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with a three-week history of persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, significant weight change, and feelings of worthlessness. Initial assessment excludes acute medical causes. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
Initiate a mental health safety assessment.
Prescribe an antidepressant medication.
Provide a list of community mental health resources.
Initiating a safety assessment is paramount when a patient presents symptoms of depression, especially when there's a mention of worthlessness which could imply dangerous ideation. This initial step is critical to determining if there is an immediate risk to the patient's safety before proceeding with further interventions. Provision of resources and medications may be necessary but are secondary to ensuring patient safety.
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Mental Health Emergencies
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