What is a key reason for closely monitoring a severely depressed client during the start of antidepressant therapy?

Monitoring a severely depressed client during the start of antidepressant therapy is crucial because as their depression begins to resolve, there can be a significant increase in energy levels. This increase in energy can paradoxically lead to heightened suicide risk, especially if the client has not yet experienced the full therapeutic effects of the medication. During the initial phase of treatment, the mood may not have improved sufficiently to alleviate suicidal thoughts, but the increased energy could give the client the means to act on those thoughts.

It is essential to be vigilant during this period because the shift in mood and energy can be unpredictable. Clients may not disclose their thoughts about self-harm, making this monitoring critical in ensuring their safety. This understanding highlights why close observation is necessary, distinguishing it from the incorrect options, which either overestimate the immediate benefits of antidepressants or focus on side effects that do not directly relate to the primary concern of suicide risk during treatment initiation.