Faye, a 20-year-old foreign exchange student from Germany, seeks medical attention at the urging of her roommates, who r
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2022 7:56 am
Faye, a 20-year-old foreign exchange student from
Germany, seeks medical attention at the urging of her roommates,
who report that she has become increasingly depressed, withdrawn,
and moody during the past two semesters. This is a
significant change from her affect since first coming to the United
States to attend college. Faye has shared that despite this
change in her mood, she has not had any physical problems.
She has, however, had an unplanned 10-pound weight loss in the past
3 months. Faye takes oral contraceptives to regulate her
menses. During her initial medical interview, she reported
that her mother has been treated for depression by the family
physician with St. John’s wort for the past 10 years. Faye
reports smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. She also seen by
a Registered Dietitian. During her Diet History interview, the
dietitian asks Faye whether she uses any over-the-counter vitamins,
minerals, or herbal supplements. She tells the dietitian that her
mother suggested she try St. John’s wort because it is prescribed
to treat depression in Germany. Faye did as her mother suggested
because St. John’s wort is available without a prescription in the
United States.
The plan is to treat Faye with 50 mg Sertraline (Zoloft)
per day and to provide counseling
therapy.
Answer the following questions.
1. Faye’s depression will be treated with Sertraline, a
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). How do SSRIs
work?
2. What is St. John’s wort?
3. How is St. John’s wort used in the United States? How
is it regulated?
4. How does St. John’s wort work as an
antidepressant?
5. Does St. John’s wort have any side
effects?
6. How is St. John’s wort used in Europe?
7. Why do you think people are interested in alternative
medicine and herbal treatments?
8. What is your immediate concern regarding Faye’s use
of St. John’s wort?
Germany, seeks medical attention at the urging of her roommates,
who report that she has become increasingly depressed, withdrawn,
and moody during the past two semesters. This is a
significant change from her affect since first coming to the United
States to attend college. Faye has shared that despite this
change in her mood, she has not had any physical problems.
She has, however, had an unplanned 10-pound weight loss in the past
3 months. Faye takes oral contraceptives to regulate her
menses. During her initial medical interview, she reported
that her mother has been treated for depression by the family
physician with St. John’s wort for the past 10 years. Faye
reports smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. She also seen by
a Registered Dietitian. During her Diet History interview, the
dietitian asks Faye whether she uses any over-the-counter vitamins,
minerals, or herbal supplements. She tells the dietitian that her
mother suggested she try St. John’s wort because it is prescribed
to treat depression in Germany. Faye did as her mother suggested
because St. John’s wort is available without a prescription in the
United States.
The plan is to treat Faye with 50 mg Sertraline (Zoloft)
per day and to provide counseling
therapy.
Answer the following questions.
1. Faye’s depression will be treated with Sertraline, a
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). How do SSRIs
work?
2. What is St. John’s wort?
3. How is St. John’s wort used in the United States? How
is it regulated?
4. How does St. John’s wort work as an
antidepressant?
5. Does St. John’s wort have any side
effects?
6. How is St. John’s wort used in Europe?
7. Why do you think people are interested in alternative
medicine and herbal treatments?
8. What is your immediate concern regarding Faye’s use
of St. John’s wort?