American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Which of the following describes olanzapine-fluoxetine combination therapy?

First-line treatment for bipolar depression
Effective for anxiety disorders
Used exclusively for schizophrenia
Approved for major depressive disorder

The correct answer is: First-line treatment for bipolar depression

The olanzapine-fluoxetine combination therapy is most notably recognized for its role in treating bipolar disorder, particularly in managing bipolar depression. It combines an atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine) with an antidepressant (fluoxetine), providing a unique therapeutic approach that addresses both depressive and manic symptoms that can occur in bipolar disorder. This combination has been shown to be effective in improving mood symptoms in patients experiencing depressive episodes. While the combination is effective for bipolar depression, it is not considered a first-line treatment for general anxiety disorders, nor is it used exclusively for schizophrenia; it may be utilized in schizophrenia but is targeted more specifically for mood disorders. Furthermore, while fluoxetine is approved for major depressive disorder on its own, the combination with olanzapine is more distinctly indicated for specific mood-related conditions, thus focusing on the nuances of bipolar disorder treatment rather than broader categories like major depressive disorder alone.