For a patient presenting with depressed mood and significant weight loss, what is the most appropriate first-line treatment?

The most appropriate first-line treatment for a patient presenting with depressed mood and significant weight loss is Escitalopram. This medication is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is commonly used as a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder. SSRIs are favored due to their efficacy, safety profile, and tolerability, making them suitable for a wide range of patients.

Escitalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help to alleviate symptoms of depression, including mood changes and weight loss. Its use is supported by evidence-based guidelines that recommend SSRIs as the preferred initial approach for treating depression because they have been found effective in numerous studies.

Given the specific symptoms of depressed mood and weight loss, initiating treatment with a well-established SSRI like Escitalopram allows for a targeted approach that takes into consideration both the emotional and physiological aspects of depression. Other treatment options, such as tricyclic antidepressants or herbal remedies, are generally considered after initial interventions with SSRIs or if there are specific patient circumstances that warrant alternative therapies.