Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What SSRI is commonly prescribed as the first-line treatment for teens?

Citalopram
Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Sertaline

The correct answer is: Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed as the first-line treatment for adolescents with depression and anxiety disorders. It is well-studied and has a favorable safety profile in the pediatric population. The efficacy of fluoxetine has been demonstrated in various clinical trials, making it a preferred choice among SSRIs for teenagers. Moreover, fluoxetine has been approved by regulatory bodies for use in this age group, with established dosing guidelines that are suitable for adolescents. Its relatively longer half-life can be advantageous as it allows for more flexibility in missed doses, which can be a common issue with teens. While other SSRIs, such as citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline, are also utilized in treating depression and anxiety, fluoxetine’s extensive research backing and FDA approval specifically for pediatric patients make it the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment among the SSRIs for this demographic.