Which of the following individuals is most likely to benefit from Prozac?

• A. A 32-year-old woman experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and sleep disturbances for several weeks
• B. A 28-year-old woman with periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and risky behavior followed by depressive episodes
• C. A 19-year-old man who has difficulty focusing, is easily distracted, and has trouble sitting still
• D. A 45-year-old man with frequent panic attacks and intense fear of public spaces

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the primary symptoms described for each individual and relate them to common psychological disorders. For example, persistent sadness, loss of interest, and sleep disturbances are hallmark symptoms of major depressive disorder.
2. Step 2: Understand the typical use of Prozac (fluoxetine), which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and some anxiety disorders.
3. Step 3: Analyze each individual's symptoms in relation to Prozac's indications: the 32-year-old woman shows classic depressive symptoms; the 28-year-old woman shows signs of bipolar disorder (elevated mood and depressive episodes), which requires different treatment; the 19-year-old man shows symptoms consistent with ADHD; the 45-year-old man has panic attacks and agoraphobia, which may be treated with SSRIs but requires careful diagnosis.
4. Step 4: Recognize that Prozac is most effective and commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder, making the 32-year-old woman the most likely candidate to benefit from it.
5. Step 5: Conclude by matching the individual's symptoms to the appropriate treatment based on clinical guidelines and the pharmacological profile of Prozac.