Jane is a 42-year-old mother of three young children. Before the children were born, she was employed as a corporate attorney, but she and her husband decided prior to the birth of their first child...

Jane is a 42-year-old mother of three young children. Before the children were born, she was employed as a corporate attorney, but she and her husband decided prior to the birth of their first child that she would stay at home until the children completed high school. They are financially stable. Jane has been a soccer coach, Boy Scout leader, president of the ladies’ group at her church, and involved in various other community organizations. Within the past month, she has not participated in any of her previous activities and she has not explained why. Jane is in good physical health and had her annual physical exam the previous month. She takes no routine medications or herbal products.

1. What first step must Charlie take to aid his wife with her depression?

2. When Jane is evaluated by a mental health professional, they begin talking about how antidepressant drug therapy works. Provide a brief explanation of antidepressant therapy.

3. How can a nurse determine if a therapeutic effect from the antidepressant medication is being achieved with Jane?