Explain adolescent depression and the fluoxetine decision to parents — OSCE

Candidate instructions

You are the paediatric registrar. The parents of a 15-year-old girl with a moderate depressive episode and recent superficial self-harm have ten minutes with you. They have read online that antidepressants cause suicide and are frightened. Explain, in plain language: (1) what depression in a teenager is and that it is treatable; (2) how you assessed suicide risk and the safety plan you will make together; (3) the role of talking therapy and when a medicine such as fluoxetine is added; and (4) an honest, balanced account of the suicide warning and how you will monitor. Invite their questions and agree a shared plan. Do not lecture; check understanding throughout. ^[1]