Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) Practice Exam

What is the MOST likely reason for a client in a psychiatric facility showing sleepiness and sluggishness?

1. Side effects of newly prescribed medication

2. Symptoms of depression

3. Symptoms of mania

4. Symptoms of anxiety

The correct answer is: Side effects of newly prescribed medication

The most likely reason for a client in a psychiatric facility exhibiting sleepiness and sluggishness is often the side effects of newly prescribed medication. Many psychiatric medications, especially those that affect neurotransmitters like antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers, can cause sedation as a common side effect. These medications are designed to alter brain chemistry and, while they can be effective in managing various mental health conditions, they can also lead to feelings of fatigue or lethargy, particularly when the body is in the process of adjusting to the new medication. In contrast, while symptoms of depression can indeed manifest as sleepiness or low energy, the question specifically mentions newly prescribed medication, which points more directly to the medication side effects. Symptoms of mania are generally characterized by increased energy and activity levels, while symptoms of anxiety can lead to restlessness rather than sleepiness. Thus, the context of the condition—recent medication changes—makes medication side effects the most likely cause for the symptoms described.