Question

A 45-year-old woman presents with panic attacks, depressive symptoms, and excessive worry for the past 6 months. What is the next most appropriate step?

1) Prescribe an antidepressant medication
2) Refer the patient to a psychiatrist
3) Order a complete blood count (CBC)
4) Perform a neurological examination

Answer 1

The next most appropriate step for a 45-year-old woman presenting with panic attacks, depressive symptoms, and excessive worry for the past 6 months would be to refer the patient to a psychiatrist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next most appropriate step for a 45-year-old woman presenting with panic attacks, depressive symptoms, and excessive worry for the past 6 months would be to refer the patient to a psychiatrist. This is important because the symptoms mentioned can be indicative of a mental health disorder, such as panic disorder or major depression. A psychiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating these types of conditions and can provide the most appropriate treatment options, which may include psychotherapy and/or medication.