Comorbid Flashcards
1
Q
What are some Presenting features that may suggest a medical condition
A
- Late onset of initial presentation
- Preexisting medical conditions
- Atypical presentation of specific psychological disorders
- No family history of mental illness
- Medication use/ Illicit drug use
- Treatment resistance or unusual response to treatment
- Acute onset of psychological symptoms
- Abnormal vital signs
- Waxing and waning mental status
2
Q
Why is it important to consider medical diagnoses?
A
- Almost all psychiatric symptoms can be caused by medical conditions
- Psychotropic medications can worsen or mask symptoms related to an underlying medical condition
- Psychologists should be aware of when the level of clinical suspicion suggests a medical condition and make an appropriate referral
3
Q
What are some specific finidngs that would indicate medical conditions
A
- Recent head injury
- Change in headache pattern • Visual disturbances
- Sudden speech deficits
- Abnormal body movements • Abnormal vital signs
- Changes in consciousness
4
Q
What information should be gathered
A
- Family history of mental and medical illnesses
- Work with GP to get basic lab tests (blood work)
- Baseline blood work and ECG may be helpful
- Pregnancy
- Mental status exam may be helpful in some settings
5
Q
What are the types of medical conidtions that might look like mental disorders?
A
Endocrine disorders
Central nervous system disorders
Infectious diseases
Drug related conditions
6
Q
what medical conditions are important to differentiate for mania
A
- Brain disorders affecting the frontal lobes (e.g., space-occupying lesion, HIV infection, syphilis, Alzheimer’s disease)
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Corticosteroids
- Anabolic androgenic steroids
- Anabolic androgenic steroids
- Hyperthyroidism
- Medication-induced (e.g., antidepressants)
- Drug-related (cocaine, amphetamine)
- Circadian rhythm desynchronization
7
Q
When prescribing medications in the medically ill we need to consider how the choice of medication will affect what?
A
– P450 enzymes (induction or inhibition)
– Cardiac function
– Kidney function
– Protein binding and interaction with other medications
