American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the case of a new mother exhibiting symptoms of depression, the most appropriate next step is to conduct a thorough assessment to rule out any physiological causes of her symptoms. Sending for endocrine blood work is particularly important because conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, specifically postpartum thyroiditis, can mimic or exacerbate depressive symptoms. By assessing hormonal levels, especially thyroid hormones, we can determine if there is a treatable underlying medical condition contributing to the mother's state.

This approach ensures that all possible factors affecting the mother's mental health are considered, allowing for tailored treatment that addresses the root cause of her symptoms. Only after a full evaluation can an appropriate treatment plan be developed, whether that involves psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions based on the findings from the blood work and a comprehensive clinical assessment.