JLS Psych Revision Flashcards
What is Scott’s systems review mnemonic? And what specific questions will you ask?
DAMPOSE D Depression Have you been feeling down or sad? A Anxiety Have you been feeling anxious or nervous? M Mania Have you felt full of energy, unable to sleep or so excited that other people thought you were acting strangely? P Psychosis Have you heard any voices or noises that other people couldn’t see? Have you seen any visions that other people couldn’t see? Do you feel like people are out to get you? O Organic Have you had any physical symptoms recently? Headaches? Memory problems? S Sleeping How has your sleep been? E Eating How is your appetite?
What is the mnemonic for risk assessment?
MY REASON Comment on acute AND chronic risks M edication non-adherence/deterioration Y oung people/dependents R eputation E xploitation A bsconding S uicide and self harm O others (risk to) -> Include forensic hx N eglect
What are the options for psych definitive management in order?
PELP ME PsychoEducation Lifestyle: SNAP + social support Psychotherapy - CBT/DBT/Graded exposure/mindfulness Medication ECT
Describe the template for management in a psych OSCE
Basics - consider risks, consider compulsory management under the mental act (ie. assessment order) Place and Person - community versus inpatient. Do they need to see a psychiatrist for an AO, for the MHA? Ix and confirm diagnosis - Gain collateral history, physical exam, investigate for organic causes definitive management - psychoeducation, lifestyle factors (SNAP) + social supports, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, ECT follow up and prevention - case manager? etc
What is Scott’s mnemonic for Ddx?
DOOP Drugs-induced Organic Other disorders of the same class Personality disorder
What is the mnemonic for the DSM criteria for depression?
DAWGS MEGA CD (Think: What up Dawg?”) Depressed mood Anhedonia Weight loss or gain Guilt / worthlessness Sleep (increase or decrease) Motor (psychomotor agitation or retardation) Energy Guilt / worthlessness (again) And Concentration difficulty Death (thoughts of suicide)
What substances / drugs can cause depression?
o B Blockers o Steroids o ETOH o Levodopa
Which neurotransmitters are reduced in depression?
NA & 5-HT
What is my way to remember the neuroreceptors + relevant side effects?
HAMS MD S = 5HT1 = Gippsland Medical School Has Some Balls H1 = sedation Alpha-1 = arousal + postural hypotension Muscarinic = anti-SLUD (+raised IOP) 5HT = GI upset, Metabolic Syndrome, Sexual Dysfunction, Hyponatraemia, Serotonin syndrome, bleeding MAO = cheese reaction DA = EPSE, prolactinaemia
What is the first line pharmacological treatment for patients with depression, and some examples?
SSRI (fluoxetine, escitalopram, citalopram, sertaline) SNRI (duloxetone, venlafaxine) NaSSA (mirtazapine)
When starting an anti-depressant, how should one review the patient / assess for appropriateness?
Assess response to antidepressant after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment • If there is no initial response, increase the dose • If there is a partial initial response, increase the dose • If an alternative antidepressant is indicated, the new drug may be from the same or a different class • If there are severe or unacceptable adverse effects, switch to an antidepressant with a lower propensity to cause those adverse effects When changing antidepressants: • An appropriate antidepressant-free interval is recommended when changing from one antidepressant to another to reduce the risk of drug interactions and serotonin toxicity. Read etg Because of the high rates of relapses, patients who have recovered with pharmacotherapy should be encouraged to continue follow up for at least 6 months before considering medication taper
What are some second line pharmacological interventions for depression, and some examples?
TCAs (Amitriptyline) MAOis (Pheneizine & Tranylcypromine)
Which first-line antidepressant might I choose for a young male who is worried about sexual dysfunction?
Mirtazapine (a NaSSA)
Which first-line antidepressant would I choose for a young female who is worried about weight gain?
Escitalopram (an SSRI)
If the patient was an elderly female, which first-line anti depressant would you choose?
Escitalopram (an SSRI) - least risk of orthostatic hypotension. Still monitor for hyponatraemia and bleeding
If the patient had bipolar depression, which medication would I choose?
Quetiapine (an atypical antipsychotic)
what side effect of anti-depressants is potentially permanent?
sexual dysfunction
which anti-depressant is most likely to cause withdrawal symptoms?
paroxetine (severe HA and flu-like illness)
when should most SSRIs be given? and which one is different?
Fluvoxamine is the most sedating SSRI Should be given at night (most other SSRIs in the morning - cause arousal)
which anti-depressant has the longest half life? why might his be useful? why might this pose problems?
Fluoxetine Longer half life – advantage if poor adherence but is difficult to switch to another anti-depressant if need be (longer wash-out period)
which class of anti-depressant has a high risk of fatality with OD?
TCAs
which anti-depressant may be most useful in psychotic depression?
MAOi (think – is targeting the dopamine)
for how long does one have to have had symptoms, to diagnose MDD according to the DSM?
2 weeks
for how long does one have to have had symptoms, to diagnose persistent depressive disorder according to the DSM?
2 years (1 year in children/adolescents)
if someone fits the DSM criteria of a MDD, but have had symptoms for two years - what do they have?
NOT dysthymia, still MDD
should the management of depression change if a woman is pregnant or just given birth?
No (but discuss with O&G? and pads r/v after birth of child) Evidence is controversial The risks of not treating depression are possible greater - increased endogenous steroids in baby - depressed mothers more likely to smoke, neglect baby
what is first line management of anxiety disorders?
Psychoeducation Lifestyle factors Psychotherapy - CBT. If this doesn’t work, then consider medication
what is the first line PHARMACOLOGICAL treatment of anxiety disorders?
escitalopram is on the PBS for GAD. Prescribe it at half the dose
what is the second line PHARMACOLOGICAL treatment of anxiety disorders?
Pregabalin Benzodiazapine TCAs
comment on the use of benzodiazapines in the treatment of GAD
should only be used in the short term
what is the NHMRC’s official ‘cut offs’ in regard to safe ETOH consumption for healthy men and women?
No more than two standard drinks / day No more than four standard drinks / sitting
what is the pharmacology of ETOH?
enhance GABA-A transmission → anxiolytic inhibit NMDA-mediated glutaminergic transmission → amnesic dopamine release in the mesolimbic system → euphoric
what is the pathophysiology of ETOH withdrawal?
Ethanol interacts with GABA receptors, enhancing their activity. GABA receptors mediate inhibitory neurotransmission. Chronic alcohol abuse → decreased GABA activity due to alteration of the receptor function and gene expression affecting types of receptors available. Ethanol withdrawal → functional decrease in GABA → loss of inhibitory control of excitatory neurotransmitters norepinephrine, glutamate and dopamine.
What are some of the signs / symptoms of ETOH withdrawal?
Autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute) Increased hand tremor Insomnia Nausea or vomiting Transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucination s or illusions Psychomotor agitation Anxiety Grand mal seizures
what is the basic Rx that may be required for ETOH withdrawal?
fluids anti-emetics analgaesia thiamine
what is the definitive management of ETOH withdrawal?
Diazepam (don’t use if still drinking!)
what is the definitive management of ETOH dependence?
Disulfiram (Antabuse) - interacts with alcohol by blocking its metabolism, giving rise to the aldehyde reaction (ie intense flushing, sweating, palpitations, tachycardia, dyspnoea, hyperventilation and the development of a pounding headache). Chest pains, restlessness and a sense of impending doom may develop. Acamprosate - reduces the neuronal hyperexcitability characteristic of alcohol withdrawal, and therefore reduces the symptoms of protracted alcohol withdrawal and REDUCE CRAVINGS. Naltrexone - blocks the effect of endogenous opioids released following alcohol intake. As a result, the person who drinks alcohol reports less pleasurable effects.
What is delirium tremens?
The most severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. It usually commences 72 to 96 hours after cessation of drinking and is characterised by gross tremors and fluctuating levels of agitation, hallucinations (usually tactile), disorientation and impaired attention. Fever, tachycardia and dehydration may be present.
what is the definitive management of delirium tremens?
It is a medical emergency that always requires hospitalisation and, if inadequately treated, has a high mortality rate, mainly from heart failure. diazapam haloperidol if hallucinating
What is the triad of Wernicke Encephalopathy?
opthalmaplegia, confusion, ataxia
what is the aetiology of Wernicke encephalopathy?
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency due to chronic alcohol abuse
what are the different types of dementia? what is the most common and second most common type?
Alzheimer’s (most common) Vascular dementia (second most common) Lewi body dementia Fronto-temporal Parkinson’s-related
differentiate between alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in terms of their onset
Alzheimer’s disease has a slow, gradual onset of symptoms. Vascular dementia has a sudden onset.
differentiate between alzheimer’s disease and lewy body dementia in terms of onset
levy body dementia is usually of quicker onset
what are the specific symptoms of Lewy body dementia?
Characterised by a dementia syndrome with any two of the following: - visual hallucinations, - spontaneous motor parkinsonism - fluctuation in the mental state in the absence of a clear cause for delirium.
what disease is lewy body dementia closely related with?
Parkinson’s disease
what is the aetiology of vascular dementia?
atherosclerosis of small-medium arteries in the brain causing lacunar infarcts
what are the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia?
Personality change (apathy, disinhibition, loss of insight) Loss of the ability to recognize the meaning of words and objects and Global cognitive decline.
how might you differentiate between FTD and AD?
FTDs have an earlier onset than AD and, at an early stage, do not cause the memory loss and visuo-spatial disorientation that are so characteristic of AD
what is the other name for frontotemporal dementia?
Pick’s disease
what is the aetiology of front-temporal dementia?
40% is genetic (autosomal dominant)
what is the aetiology of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
always idiopathic
what is the clinical picture of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
‘Wet Wacky and Wobbly” Urinary incontinence Gait disturbance Deterioration in cognition (dementia)
What are the potential revserible causes of dementia?
- Depression - Vit B12 deficiency - Drug side effects - Metabolic disorder (eg hypothyroid) - Infectious disease - Neoplasm - Subdural haematoma - Normal pressure hydrocephalus
List some investigations to help rule out the potential reversible causes of depression
- FBE - UEC/LFT/CMP - ESR - TSH - Vit B12 - Urine Drug screen - Serological testing for syphilis (in at risk patients) - HIV testing - MRI
which type of dementia is characterised by amyloid plaques?
Alzheimers
Which congenital abnormality will predispose you to Alzheimer’s disease and why?
Down Syndrome Because amyloid plaques are caused by abnormal cleavage of a normal protein encoded on chromosome 21
What is the typical clinical picture of Alzheimer’s disease?
- loss of recent memory first - difficulty with executive function (reasoning, abstraction, judgment, performing tasks such as planning activities, organizing events and managing money) - dysphasia (difficulties in word finding and naming) - problems with visuospatial function (clock face)
What is the condition in which memory functions are disproportionately impaired compared to other cognitive functions in an otherwise alert patient
amnestic syndrome
What is panic disorder?
At least 1 panic attack followed by at least 1 mth of the following symptoms: I. Persistent worry about additional attacks or their consequences II. Maladaptive change to avoid attack
What is a panic attack?
an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and 4 or more of the following occur: 1. Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart beat 2. Sweating 3. Trembling or shaking 4. Sensations of shortness of breath/ smothering 5. Feelings of choking 6. Chest pain or discomfort 7. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint 8. Chills or heat sensations 9. Parasthesias 10. Derealisation or depersonalization 11. Fear of losing control 12. Fear of dying
What are the DSM diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia?
Two or more of the following each present for a significant portion of time during a 1 month period. At least one must be of the first 3: 1.Delusions 2.Hallucinations 3.Disorganized speech 4.Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior 5.Negative symptoms But they have to have had symptoms for >6 months, that might have been a prodrome characterised only by negative features.
How to you classify the symptoms of schizophrenia, and what are they?
Positive Symptoms - hallucinations - delusions Negative Symptoms - andhedonia - affective flattening or blunting - avolition - alogia (poverty of speech) Cognitive symptoms - disorganised speech - disorganised behaviour
what are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Anhednoia Agolia Avolition Affect blunting or flattening
What is schiziophreniform disorder?
Same symptoms of schizophrenia, but only for between one and six months
What is schizotypal personality disorder?
Essentially a loner because displays magical thinking / perceptual disturbances / is just very odd. Luna Lovejoy
What is schizoid personality disorder?
Essentially a loner – similar to negative symptoms of schizophrenia / catonic behaviour
What are the symptoms / diagnostic criteria of ADHD?
hyperactivity inattention impulsivity pervasiveness
When monitoring clozapine, how often do you require an FBE?
Pre treatment, weekly for 18 weeks and then monthly
When monitoring clozapine, how often do you require troponin?
Pre-treatment, weekly for 18 weeks and then three months later, then annually
what investigations / physical examination findings are required whilst monitoring clozapine?
Weight BMI Smoking status FBC CRP LFT BGL (fasting) Lipid profile ECG Echo B-HCG when required clozapine level when re-titrating or commencing
when monitoring clozapine, how often do you require an ECG and echo?
ECG - baseline, 6/12 after commencing close and every 12 months after that Echo - at baseline and then when clinically indicated
with which anti-depressant is weight gain MOST problematic?
mirtazapine
which anti-depressant does not seem to cause hyponatraemia?
mirtazapine (is instead caused by all SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs and MAOis)
which has a longer half life, diazepam or midazolam?
diazepam midazolam has a quick onset of action and only lasts 15 minutes - 2 hours)
which drug (both the class and specific example) is most likely to cause acute-dystopias, and in whom?
haloperidol of all the first generation anti-psychotics young males are most commonly affected
which of the two zuclopenthixols is shorter acting, and what is the route?
acetate is shorter acting decanoate is longer acting both are IM
what drug class is fluvoxamine?
SSRI
what drug class is paroxetine?
SSRI
Ange aged 81, is wearing her hearing aid and seems to understand you but keeps looking away. Even little things seem to attract her attention away from the interview. Using the information provided in the vignette, choose the most appropriate mental state phenomenon from the list:
Easily distracted
You have to listen very carefully to follow what Mr Williams is saying. It makes sense and the ideas are connected but if you don’t concentrate for a second you lose track of what he is saying. Using the information provided in the vignette, choose the most appropriate mental state phenomenon from the list.
Flight of ideas why not tangentiality? is tangentiality worse?
Ingrid, aged 59, looks as if she is worried about something. She frowns as she describes her problems to you, remaining tense and preoccupied no matter what she is talking about. Using the information provided in the vignette, choose the most appropriate mental state phenomenon from the list:
anxious affect
In the middle of a conversation with you Ian just stops talking in the middle of a sentence. He says that his head suddenly was empty of ideas, as if they had been sucked out. Using the information provided in the vignette, choose the most appropriate mental state phenomenon from the list.
Thought blocking Why not thought withdrawal? Thought withdrawal is more of a symptom (patient reports experiencing it). Thought blocking is more of a sign - the examiner can SEE it
Steve is convinced that when he watches Greys Anatomy on television and everyone talks about McDreamy that they really mean that he should go to bed earlier. Using the information provided in the vignette, choose the most appropriate mental state phenomenon from the list.
idea of reference
You have been Madges’ GP for some 20 years and you know her as a regular drinker but one who has always functioned relatively independently (and still does). Recently you have become aware that she doesn’t seem to remember changes to her medication. She seems to understand them at the time but at the next visit she is back on the previous regime. You have also asked your receptionist to remind her of appointments by telephone (usually ringing up 30 minutes beforehand and telling her to “come down”). MMSE is 27/30 with 0/3 on short term recall.
Amnestic syndrome Amnestic syndromes are conditions in which memory functions are disproportionately impaired compared to other cognitive functions in an otherwise alert patient
Mavis is 50 and for at least ten years has been reluctant to go out as she gets acutely anxious and can’t breathe; not every time she goes out but often enough that she is afraid to go in case it happens again. Using the information provided in the vignette, choose the most appropriate diagnosis from the list. Options: Agoraphobia, GAS, Panic disorder, panic attacks
Agoraphobia with panic attacks Why not GAD? Because it is one specific phobia. Why not panic disorder? Because this is anxiety about having panic attacks. ie. Panic Disorder = at least 1 panic attack followed by at least 1 mth of the following symptoms: I. Persistent worry about additional attacks or their consequences II. Maladaptive change to avoid attacks What is a panic attack? an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and 4 or more of the following occur: 1. Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart beat 2. Sweating 3. Trembling or shaking 4. Sensations of shortness of breath/ smothering 5. Feelings of choking 6. Chest pain or discomfort 7. Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint 8. Chills or heat sensations 9. Parasthesias 10. Derealisation or depersonalization 11. Fear of losing control 12. Fear of dying
Sam aged 23 has been admitted with a first episode of psychosis. Within 24 hours of starting treatment he develops an acute intense muscle spasm in his jaw.
haloperidol (haloperidol, of all the first generation antipsychotics, is most likely to cause acute destinies. Young males are most affected).
Jane was admitted three days ago complaining that she heard a group of people planning to kill her. She has become calmer with the commencement of treatment but has suddenly become extremely agitated and says that one of the visitors just arrived on the ward is “one of them”. She will not listen to reason and doesn’t respond to the reassurance of staff. She hit away an oral PRN offered by a staff member. zuclopenthixol decanoate diazepam midazolam
midazolam (can be given SC) diazepam is longer acting zuclopenthixol decenoate is long acting
adjustment disorder
What is the difference between BPAD1, BPAD2 and cyclothymia?
For Bipolar 1 disorder all you need is ONE manic episode.
For Bipolar 2 you need hypomania plus a major depressive episode.
The diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder is given to adults who experience at least 2 years (for children, 1 year) of both hypomanic and depressive periods without EVER fulfilling the criteria for an episode of mania, hypomania, or major depression.
How do you diagnose BPAD1?
Mood (1 - for at least a week)
- Elevated
- Expansive
- Irritable
- Increased goal-directed activity
Other Symptoms (3 or 4)
- High self esteem
- No need for sleep
- Talkative
- FOI
- Psychomotor agitation
- Distracted
What is the aetiology of BPAD?
Genetics!!!
Bipolar is the most heritable of all the psychiatric diagnoses. There is an average 10-fold increased risk among adult relatives of individuals with bipolar I and bipolar II disorders.
What is the definitive management of acute mania?
Cease anti-depressants, if patient is on them
Commence olanzapine OR risperidone
Possibly in conjunction with lithium (high dose) if severe
What is the maintenance / prophylactic treatment of BPAD?
Lithium (lower dose)
OR
atypical antipsychotic
OR
antiepileptic
what are the components of the MSE?
Appearance
Behaviour & Rapport
Mood
Affect
Speech
Thought
Perception
Cognition
Insight
Judgement
What are the sub-components of ‘affect’ on the MSE?
Quality
Range
Reactivity & Stability
Appropriatentess & Congruence
What are the components of ‘Speech’ on the MSE?
Volume
Rate
Tone
Fluency
What are the components of ‘Thought’ on MSE?
Stream
Form
Content
Posession
What is the overall definitive management of any psychiatric condition?
Psychoeducation
Lifestyle
Psychotherapy
Medication
ECT