Intro to Psychiatry Flashcards
What are the 3 main features of mental illness?
Common
Stigmatising
Treatable
What evidence shows that mental illness is common?
1 in 3 people will have a mental health disorder
1 in 3 GP consultations have mental health componenet
What evidence shows that mental illness in stigmatising?
3 in 4 people feel stigmatised
Many people are afraid to discuss
10% of NHS funding
Taught for 6 week in most undergrad courses
What are the differences between mental and physical illness?
People often do not perceive themselves to be ill No scientific basis to diagnose Perceived lack of treatment Agents of social control No visual symptoms
What is psychic anxiety?
Feeling of fear of dread
What are the physical symptoms of anxiety?
Palpitations Sweating Dry mouth depersonalisation Splanchnic vasoconstriction (butterflies) Paraesthesia (pins and needles) Syncope
What are symptoms of OCD?
Ego-dystonic thoughts
Repetitive, circular ruminations
Bizarre
Sound delusional
Give examples of compulsions?
Motor response to obsessional thoughts
Often ritualistic, stereotyped, precise
Start again if interrupted or doubt
How can anxiety by classified?
Generalised anxiety disorder Panic disorder Agoraphobia Simple phobia Social phobia
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
What can anxiety be compared to?
Clinical iceberg
When does anxiety become a disorder?
If it is excessive, impacts on life or out of context
What is the median age of onset?
11 years old
How is anxiety managed?
Treatable with medication and psychological therapies
What are the core features of depression?
Pervasive low mood/sadness
Loss of energy (anergia)
Loss of enjoyment (anhedonia)
What are the physical symptoms of depression?
Loss of appetite Weight loss Diurnal variation of mods Poor sleep Loss of libido Psychomotor slowing or agitation
