Mental Health

Question 1

Sx of anxiety GAD

Answer 1

Feeling of worries
Edginess and restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Digestive problems
Muscle tension
Difficulty sleeping and chronic fatigue

Question 2

How is GAD diagnosed?

Answer 2

Clinical assessment
GAD-7 anxiety questionnaire

Question 3

Management of GAD

Answer 3

If Mild anxiety:
Watchful waiting + self-help strategies (e.g. meditation), diet, exercise and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and drugs.

Moderate to severe anxiety - referred to CAMHS services to initiate:
Counselling
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Medical management - SSRI e.g. sertraline.

Question 4

What are SSRIs?

Answer 4

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - involves modulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and sleep.

Question 5

What are some examples of SSRIs? name at least 3

Answer 5

1. Fluoxetine
2. Sertraline
3. Citalopram
4. Paroxetine

Question 6

What are the 3 main hormones associated with depression?

Answer 6

1. Serotonin
2. Noradrenaline
3. Dopamine

Question 7

Sx of depression

Answer 7

Low mood
Anhedonia, a lack of pleasure in activities
Low energy
Anxiety and worry
Irritability
Avoiding social situations
Hopelessness about future
Poor sleep
Poor appetite or over eating
Poor concentration
Suicidal thoughts

Question 8

What’s the difference between acute stress reaction and PTSD?

Answer 8

ASR occurs within a shorter timeframe immediately following the traumatic event. If symptoms persist for a longer period the diagnosis may shift to PTSD.

Question 9

Sx of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Answer 9

1. Intrusion Sx - distressing memories, flashbacks or nightmares
2. Physiological reaction when exposed to cues
3. Negative emotions i.e. fear, anger, guilt
4. Dissociation
5. Difficulty concentrating
6. Avoidance behaviours

Question 10

How long do symptoms of acute stress disorder typically last for?

Answer 10

Three days to a month