When a psychiatrist prescribes lorazepam (Ativan) for acute anxiety experienced by a client with agoraphobia, health teaching should include which instructions?

Choice A reason: Recommending both treatments due to insurance coverage is not therapeutic, as it does not address the clinical rationale. Antidepressants and therapy target different aspects of depression (neurochemical and behavioral), and this response fails to explain their complementary roles effectively.

Choice B reason: Antidepressants correct neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., serotonin) to alleviate depressive symptoms, while therapy (e.g., CBT) addresses maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors, promoting long-term coping skills. This combination enhances recovery, making this the most therapeutic explanation for the client’s treatment plan.

Choice C reason: Suggesting medications are temporary implies the client will stop treatment, which may not be true for chronic depression. This undermines the importance of ongoing management and therapy’s role in behavioral change, making it less therapeutic and potentially discouraging.

Choice D reason: Asking about reservations may encourage dialogue but does not directly explain the need for therapy alongside medication. It sidesteps the clinical rationale for combined treatment, which is critical for understanding the comprehensive approach to depression management.

Choice A reason: Avoiding strong or aged cheese applies to MAOIs due to tyramine interactions causing hypertensive crises. Most antidepressants, like SSRIs or SNRIs, do not require this dietary restriction, as they do not affect monoamine oxidase, making this information incorrect.

Choice B reason: Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, typically require 4-6 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effects by increasing neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, norepinephrine) in the brain. This delay is critical for patient expectations and adherence, making this the most appropriate information to provide.

Choice C reason: Antidepressants can be safely combined with antianxiety agents, such as benzodiazepines, under medical supervision for co-occurring anxiety and depression. This statement is incorrect, as combination therapy is common and does not require avoidance, depending on the clinical context.

Choice D reason: Hypomania, weight gain, and increased sleep are possible side effects of some antidepressants (e.g., mirtazapine), but they are not universal. SSRIs may cause insomnia or weight loss, making this information less broadly applicable than the therapeutic delay information.