Management of Psychiatric Patients NOT FINISHED

Question 1

What are the characteristics of depression?

Answer 1

• low mood
• loss of interest and enjoyment
• reduced energy
• guilt/worthlessness
• sleep disturbance
• reduced libido
• suicidal tendencies if severe
• psychotic symptoms (hallucinations/confusions)
• anxiety/depression
• in elderly the symptoms may not be as obvious

Question 2

What is the mechanism of actions of antidepressants?

Answer 2

Tricyclics
- inhibit noradrenaline and 5HT uptake in the synapse
SSRIs
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, inhibit 5HT uptake only

Question 3

Adverse effects of SSRIs

Answer 3

sedation 
anticholigernic 
epileptogenic 
cardiotoxic in overdose
low sodium 
low blood pressure 
least safe in overdose