15 - Psychiatric Emergencies Flashcards

1
Q

What is ECT?

A

The application of an electrical current through the brain to induce a seizure. This increases blood flow, dendrites and neurotransmitters

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the indications for ECT?

A
  • Severe life threatening depression
  • Moderate depression that has failed to respond to treatment
  • Catatonia
  • Prolonged or severe mania

NOT schizophrenia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are some contraindications to ECT?

A
  • Raised ICP
  • Cerebral aneurysm
  • MI within 3 months
  • Uncontrolled HR/BP
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Food/fluids in last 6 hours
  • Phaeochromocytoma
  • Pregnancy
  • Epilepsy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the side effects of ECT?

A

1. Anaesthesia: Aspiration pneumonia, nausea, malignant hyperthermia, MI, arrhythmias

2. ECT: confusion, headache, status epilepticus, stroke, broken teeth, subconjunctival haemorrhages

3. Memory: Retrograde and Anterograde amnesia. May also have autobiographical loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the physiological changes that occur during ECT?

A

CVS: Bradycardia followed by tachycardia

ICP: Increased

Hormone Changes: Increased TSH, ACTH, GH, PRL, Endorphins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How do you get consent for ECT?

A
  • *Has Capacity**
  • Informal: Obtain informed consent
  • Formal: Obtain informed consent and complete T4
  • *Does not have capacity**
  • SOAD and complete T6
  • If emergency compete C6 (section 62)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

If somebody has capacity but does not consent to ECT, can you give it to them?

A

NO

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What monitoring do you need to do for ECT?

A

- Monitor side effects

- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS): baseline, after every treatment, one week and 1-2 months after

- MOCA for cognition: baseline, post 2 and 6, one week and 1-2 months after ECT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are some alternatives to ECT?

A
  • Vagal Nerve Stimulation
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the difference between unilateral and bilateral ECT?

A

Bilateral: More effective

Unilateral: Cognitive side effects less severe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What anaesthesia is used in ECT and why?

A

Propofol/Etomidate: For GA

Suxamethonium: For muscle relaxant for mild seizure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

If a patient has severe depression with psychosis, how do you medically treat them?

A
  • High dose Sertraline
  • Low dose antipsychotic like Olanzapine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How long is the course of treatment for ECT?

A

12 sessions, 2 a week is maximum

Usually about 6-8 sessions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What does salicylate overdose do to the blood pH?

A

Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis

Early stimulation of the respiratory centre leads to a respiratory alkalosis whilst later the direct acid effects of salicylates (combined with acute renal failure) may lead to an acidosis

In children metabolic acidosis tends to predominate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are some features of salicylate overdose?

A

Tinnitus is one of the earliest symptoms of aspirin OD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How is salicylate overdose treated?

A
  • General (ABC, charcoal)
  • IV sodium bicarbonate for urinary alkalisation
  • Haemodialysis