Final answer:
The most appropriate management for the 31-year-old male with a history of depression and improving PHQ-9 scores is to continue his current treatment with fluoxetine and consider adjunct psychotherapy, while monitoring for any changes in his condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is regarding the management of depression in a 31-year-old male who has a history of depression treated with fluoxetine. The patient's PHQ-9 score, which is a tool used to assess the severity of depression, has improved from 14 to 6 over the past 3 months. This indicates that his depressive symptoms have partially remitted.
In managing depression, it is essential to consider both the current severity of symptoms and the patient's history of depressive episodes. Since the patient has responded to fluoxetine previously and shows an improving trajectory, the most appropriate management would be to continue the current treatment with fluoxetine. It is critical to monitor the patient regularly for any signs of relapse or worsening of symptoms. In addition, psychotherapy may be considered as an adjunct treatment to support the patient's recovery.
Given that the patient's PHQ-9 score has decreased but still indicates mild depression, it would be premature to discontinue medication. Continuation of medication, along with regular follow-up, is supported by evidence that suggests a significant association between effective treatment, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, and improved outcomes in depression.