Intro to psychiatry

Question 1

What is neurology?

Answer 1

Disorders of with nervous system with established aetiologies, demonstrable anatomical pathology and physical symtoms

e.g. Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy, Huntington’s Disease, brain injury

Question 2

What is psychiatry?

Answer 2

Disorder of mood, thought and behaviour with no or only minor physcial signs with no visible pathology

Question 3

What are functional psychiatry disorders?

Answer 3

Neurotic disorders (loss of reality) e.g. depression, anxiety, phobia or psychotic disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar)

Question 4

What are organic disorders in pyschiatry?

Answer 4

Disorders where we know the pathology, but can’t do anything about it e.g. dementia, manifestations of Parkinson’s, aquired traumatic brain injury, Huntington’s disease

Question 5

What are the aims of pyschopharmacotherapy?

Answer 5

To identify the chemical imbalances, changes in trasmitters or receptors and attempt to correct with drugs

Question 6

What is a ‘disorder’?

Answer 6

A clinically recognisable set of symptoms or behaviours associated in most cases with distress and with interference with personal function

Question 7

What study designs exist to establish whether there are genetic links in psychiatric disorders?

Answer 7

• Family studys
• Twin studys
• Adoption studies - genes vs environment