Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is commonly required in the treatment of depression to achieve better outcomes?

1. Increase in medication dosage

2. Multiple medication trials

3. Immediate hospital admission

4. Single medication use

The correct answer is: Multiple medication trials

The requirement for multiple medication trials in the treatment of depression is crucial because individual responses to antidepressant medications can vary significantly. Not every medication is effective for every patient, so finding the right treatment may necessitate trying several different options. This process allows healthcare providers to tailor the medication regimen to the specific needs and biochemistry of the patient, thereby enhancing the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome. Due to the complexity of depression's pathophysiology, some patients may have treatment-resistant depression, where standard therapies do not yield improvement. In such cases, a trial-and-error approach can guide the selection of an alternative medication that might be more effective. Thus, undertaking multiple medication trials is often a necessary strategy in achieving optimal management and outcome for individuals suffering from depression.