General mental health

Question 1

Which mental health condition may epilepsy be linked to

Answer 1

Psychosis

Question 2

Which mental health condition may thyroid problems be linked to

Answer 2

Hyperthyroidism: anxiety
Hypothyroidism: depression

Question 3

Which mental health condition may Parkinsons be linked to

Answer 3

Lewy Body Dementia

Question 4

General symptoms to ask about in a mental health history

Answer 4

Change in:

1. appetite
2. sleep

Question 5

What to ask about in previous psych history

Answer 5

1. self harm + suicide
2. previous treatments tried + effectiveness
3. previous admissions + if sectioned

Question 6

What to ask about in current social history

Answer 6

1. housing
2. employment
3. financial stability
4. relationships
5. life events eg bereavement, stressors

Question 7

What to ask about in alcohol and drugs history

Answer 7

1. pattern of use (eg starting early in morning)
2. previous experience of withdrawal symptoms
3. how they get money to supply habit
4. any wish to change things

Question 8

Components of MSE

Answer 8

• appearance
• behaviour
• speech
• mood
• thoughts
• perception
• cognitive function
• insight

Question 9

Normal cut off period for bereavement

Answer 9

6 months to 1 year

Question 10

5 detailed questions to ask about self harm

Answer 10

1. Did you need treatment in hospital
2. Triggers, how often
3. If suicidal but no plans, what stopped you?
4. Protective factors
5. Plans to harm others

Question 11

3 important questions to ask about paranoia

Answer 11

1. Do you always feel that there’s somebody behind you?
2. What do others around you think?
3. Are you carrying any weapons to protect yourself?

Question 12

What are neologisms

Answer 12

Made up words

Question 13

Which mental health disorder is associated with neologisms

Answer 13

Schizophrenia