26 July 2024
Dr. Chong
123 Medical Centre
456 Health Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Dear Dr Chong,
Re: John Doe
DOB: 15/03/1985
ph: 0412 345 678
Address: 789 Patient Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Problem List:
• Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, moderate
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Insomnia
• Hypertension
Medications:
• Sertraline 100mg daily
• Propranolol 40mg twice daily
• Temazepam 10mg nocte PRN
Allergies: No known allergies
Past Psychiatric Treatment History: First depressive episode at age 25, treated with fluoxetine for 6 months. Recurrence at age 32, treated with cognitive behavioural therapy and sertraline. No psychiatric hospitalisations.
Family Psychiatric History: Mother diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Paternal uncle with history of alcohol use disorder.
Family Medical History: Father with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. Maternal grandmother with breast cancer.
Substance Use History: Non-smoker. Alcohol intake 2-3 standard drinks per week. No illicit drug use. Past cannabis use in university, ceased 10 years ago.
Forensic History: No significant forensic history
Thank you for referring John Doe for psychiatric assessment regarding worsening depressive symptoms and anxiety.
Mental State Examination: 39-year-old male, well-groomed, appeared older than stated age. Maintained good eye contact. Psychomotor retardation noted. Mood subjectively low, affect constricted. Speech slow in rate and monotonous. Thought process logical and goal-directed. No evidence of thought disorder or perceptual disturbances. Denied suicidal ideation. Cognitively intact. Limited insight into severity of depressive symptoms.
Impression: Overall, it was my impression that John meets criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent episode, moderate severity, with comorbid Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Current psychosocial stressors including work pressures and relationship difficulties appear to have exacerbated his symptoms. No acute safety concerns identified.
Treatment Recommendations: Increase sertraline to 150mg daily. Refer for cognitive behavioural therapy focusing on depression and anxiety management. Consider adding mirtazapine 15mg nocte for insomnia if sleep does not improve with sertraline increase. Review in 4 weeks to assess response. Encourage regular exercise and sleep hygiene practices.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Consultant Psychiatrist
MBBS, FRANZCP
Provider No: 1234567A