A client comes to the mental health clinic for a follow-up visit for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. He says that he has been taking his escitalopram oxalate as prescribed since his second...

A client comes to the mental health clinic for a follow-up visit for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. He says that he has been taking his escitalopram oxalate as prescribed since his second hospitalization 3 months ago. He tells the nurse that he is feeling “like my old self again.” Now he wants to stop taking medication. “I don't want to be dependent on meds like my father.” What is the nurse's best initial response to him?

 1. “After another 3 months of stability, it might be safe for you to go off the escitalopram.”

2. “After two significant episodes, you will need to take an antidepressant indefinitely.”

3. “Research indicates that individuals who have had two major depressive episodes have a 70% chance of having a third episode.”

4. “It is likely that you can learn to manage your depression with a regular exercise regime and a healthy diet.”