SSRI + MAOI = malpractice?

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SSRI + MAOI = malpractice?

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5 Posts

usmle_mogul
Forum Newbie

Topics: 2
Posts: 9

08/19/06 - 01:32 PM

Dear guys - I found a q in usmle rx quite annoying: depresive patient resistant to SSRI is treated with MAOI, develops serotonin syndrome and dies. They say this is not malpractice, not direct dereliction of duty causing damage.

Pt dead - no damage? I would have gone for the malpractice - it is clear contraindication SSRI or B blockers + MAOI.

please help - where am I wrong? shaking head

usmle_mogul
Forum Newbie

Topics: 2
Posts: 9

08/19/06 - 02:00 PM

A patient with major depression that is resistant to treatment with selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and therapy is given a monoamine oxidase inhibitor by a physician who has been treating him for 3 years. The patient develops the serotonin syndrome and subsequently dies. Considering the defining characteristics of malpractice, which of the following best describes the actions of the physician?

A. Not malpractice because the patient was not harmed at all by this physician
B. Not malpractice because the physician did not neglect her duties
C. Not malpractice because the physician had no obligation to treat this patient
D. Not malpractice because no harm was caused directly from the treatment
E. This is an instance of malpractice

rajpharma
Forum Newbie

Topics: 0
Posts: 3

09/09/06 - 08:19 AM

malpractice

fox
Forum Guru
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Topics: 70
Posts: 727

09/09/06 - 02:46 PM

I too think its a clear case of malpractice

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jsknetsdude
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Topics: 4
Posts: 63

09/17/06 - 03:13 AM

fox wrote:
I too think its a clear case of malpractice

I dont think so .. SSRI resistant depression .. hmmm .. the question doesnt suggest that the "Dr. did not stop" ssri .. any assumsion that any would be made is the patient himself combined the previously present but unused ssri with present medication .. this happens esp in depressed patient ..

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