Mental Health Telephone Consultation Note

Mental Health and Behavioural Specialist Note History: Patient reports feeling increasingly overwhelmed and tearful over the past three months following a significant work-related stressor. She describes a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in hobbies she once enjoyed, and significant fatigue. These symptoms are present almost daily and worsen in the evenings. Patient experiences significant anxiety, primarily manifesting as generalised worry about her job performance and future. She reports difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts and often wakes up multiple times during the night, feeling unrefreshed. Her appetite has decreased, leading to unintentional weight loss of approximately 5kg over the last two months. Energy levels are consistently low, and she struggles with concentration, finding it hard to focus on tasks at work and home. Anhedonia is prominent, with no joy derived from activities she previously found pleasurable. Triggers include her demanding work environment and recent changes in team structure, leading to increased workload and pressure. The symptoms have significantly impacted her daily functioning. She finds it difficult to motivate herself to go to work, her performance has declined, and she has withdrawn from social activities. Her relationship with her partner is also strained due to her irritability and lack of engagement. Patient had a similar episode of depression five years ago, managed with citalopram for 12 months, which she found helpful. She has not received any formal therapy previously. She denies any current suicidal ideation or plans, self-harm, or psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. She expresses a desire to feel better but feels stuck. Relevant risk factors include a history of a previous depressive episode and high occupational stress. Past medical and surgical history: Hypothyroidism, appendicectomy (2010). Current medications including dose and frequency: Levothyroxine 75mcg once daily. Known allergies: Penicillin (rash). Relevant family history: Mother had depression in her 40s. Social history including living situation, occupation, smoking status, alcohol use and recreational drug use: Lives with her partner in a rented flat. Works as a marketing manager. Smokes 5 cigarettes per day for 10 years. Drinks 2-3 glasses of wine (175ml, 13% ABV) 4 times a week. Denies recreational drug use. Clinical Measurements and Conversions: Patient weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) Patient height: 165 cm (5 ft 5 inches) Patient BMI: 25.7 kg/m² Smoking history and pack year calculation: 2.5 pack years. Alcohol intake including type, quantity and frequency: Patient drinks approximately 14 units of alcohol per week (2.4 units per glass x 3 glasses x 4 times/week). This is within the UK guideline of 14 units per week. Relevant Investigation Results: Blood test results: Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) within normal limits (reviewed 1 month ago). Full blood count and electrolytes normal. Examination: General appearance of the patient: Patient appeared well-groomed but visibly fatigued, with slightly lowered shoulders and a flat affect. Mental state assessment including speech rate, tone, volume and coherence, mood as reported by the patient, affect inferred from speech, thought content and insight and engagement: Speech was slow, quiet, and coherent. Mood reported as "2/10, very low". Affect was congruent with mood, appearing sad and constricted. Thought content primarily focused on feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness regarding her job. Insight appears good, acknowledging her current state is a medical issue requiring intervention. She was engaged and cooperative throughout the consultation. Diagnosis: Document the clinician's explicitly stated primary diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, single episode, moderate severity. Mental Health Scores: PHQ-9 score: 18 GAD-7 score: 14 Medication Review: Current medications including dose and frequency: Levothyroxine 75mcg once daily. New medications prescribed including dose, frequency and indication: Sertraline 50mg once daily, to be increased to 100mg after one week if tolerated, for depression and anxiety. Side effects or adverse reactions reported: Patient reported mild nausea when starting citalopram previously, which resolved within a few days. Medication adherence discussed: Patient reports good adherence to Levothyroxine. Monitoring parameters required for current or new medications: Review for initial side effects of sertraline in 1 week. Monitor for improvement in mood and anxiety symptoms. Consider repeat PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in 4-6 weeks. Medication counselling provided to the patient: Counseled on common side effects of sertraline, importance of daily dosing, and lag time for therapeutic effect (2-4 weeks). Advised against abrupt discontinuation. Advised to take with food to minimise nausea. Follow-up actions related to medication management: Prescription sent to local pharmacy. Plan: Treatment plan including medications with dose and frequency: Start Sertraline 50mg once daily for one week, then increase to 100mg once daily. Continue Levothyroxine 75mcg once daily. Psychological interventions planned or recommended: Referral to local IAPT service for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or counselling. Follow-up plans and referrals arranged: Follow-up telephone consultation in 2 weeks to assess medication tolerability and initial response. Referral for psychological therapies submitted today. Patient education and counselling provided: Provided psychoeducation on depression, importance of sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet. Discussed the benefits of therapy alongside medication. Safety Netting: Safety netting advice provided including when to seek urgent help or crisis support: Advised to contact the GP surgery immediately if symptoms worsen, if she experiences any new distressing thoughts (e.g., self-harm or suicidal ideation), or severe side effects from medication. Provided details for the local mental health crisis line and emergency services.