Mental Health Flashcards

Question

What is Buspirone?

Answer 1

Buspirone (Buspar) is a partial serotonin agonist (5-HT1A). ## Footnote Indications: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Patient education: Takes 2–4 weeks to work; non-sedating, non-addictive; safe for long-term use. Not for PRN or acute panic.

Answer 2

Fluoxetine

Answer 3

Adrenal glands secrete cortisol, epinephrine, aldosterone cause an increase in HR, BP and the kidneys altered function also increases BP. This is one reason why someone having a panic attack feels like they are having a heart attack. Panic Attacks - intense sudden anxiety that is often confused with an MI and includes physical symptoms such as SOB, nausea, sweating. This is caused by a change in the hippocampus and an overproduction of cholecystokinin.

Answer 4

CBT is EBP to help patients change their thinking and develop ways to improve thought processes Walking, yoga, going outside for fresh air and sunshine Alcohol is a depressant, drugs alter thinking TMS is an intervention that places a stimulating coil on the scalp that delivers magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells in the brain responsible for mood regulation. Good Sleep Habits

Answer 5

Assesses severity of depression over the past 2 weeks 0–27 scale: 5 = mild, 10 = moderate, 15 = moderately severe, 20+ = severe

Answer 6

Assesses severity of generalized anxiety 0–21 scale: 5 = mild, 10 = moderate, 15+ = severe

Answer 7

Evaluates severity of anxiety, often in clinical trials Adults Clinician-administered; 14 items; not typically used for screening.

Answer 8

Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) Screens for bipolar disorder (Type I & II) Adults ≥7 “yes” answers with functional impairment = positive screen.

Answer 9

Self-report questionnaire designed to assess a person’s mood and emotional well-being. It's used to quickly identify symptoms of **depression, mania, and hypomania**, providing healthcare providers with an initial understanding of a patient's mood and behavioral patterns.

Answer 10

**self-report tool** designed to help assess symptoms of** depression** in children and adolescents. It is commonly used in **clinical practice and research** to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms and to screen for **depression** in younger populations.

Answer 11

in Dementia used to screen for depression in individuals with moderate to severe dementia. Therefore, the caregiver is asked to describe their observations of the patient the week prior.

Answer 12

**Vulnerability-liability theory**- individuals may become more susceptible to mental health issues, particularly mental disorders, due to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors **Dopamine theory**- overactivity of dopamine transmission in certain parts of the brain contributes to positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking). **Excess serotonin theory**- an overactivity or excess of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in certain regions of the brain could contribute to the development of some mental health disorders, particularly those involving mood dysregulation. **Kindling theory**- repeated episodes of stress or psychiatric symptoms can make the brain more sensitive to future triggers, leading to increasingly severe and persistent episodes over time.

Answer 13

Therapeutic Response: * Remain calm, nonjudgmental, and empathetic. * Acknowledge the patient’s experience (“I understand that you are hearing voices, but I do not hear them”). * Reassure the patient that they are safe and that you are there to help. * Avoid arguing about the hallucination’s reality, but redirect the patient’s attention to the present reality. Non-Therapeutic Response: * Denying or dismissing the hallucination as "not real" can lead to frustration and distrust. * Arguing with the patient about the content of the hallucination. * Becoming anxious or overly confrontational, which may escalate the situation.

Answer 14

**CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)** is a **structured, goal-oriented** psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change **negative thought patterns** and behaviors contributing to their emotional distress. Conditions Treated: * **Depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.** When Not to Use CBT: * CBT may not be effective in **severe psychosis**, where the individual is unable to connect with reality (e.g., during active schizophrenia episodes with intense delusions or hallucinations). * Patients with **severe cognitive impairments** or those who cannot engage in the cognitive process needed for CBT.

Answer 15

**TD (Tardive Dyskinesia)** is a **neurological disorder** caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications (especially first-generation antipsychotics). It is characterized by **involuntary, repetitive movements** such as: * Lip smacking or puckering * Tongue thrusting or chewing movements * Facial grimacing * Finger snapping * Rocking or other body movements TD can be irreversible, and early recognition and medication adjustment are crucial.

Answer 16

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPSs) (akathisia, dystonia, tremor) and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary mouth movements, difficulty speaking and swallowing)

Answer 17

Examples: Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine MOA: Primarily block dopamine D2 receptors Indications: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations, delusions) Acute agitation Psychosis Notable side effects: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), Tardive dyskinesia (TD), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), sedation

Answer 18

Examples: Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Clozapine, Ziprasidone MOA: Block dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors Indications: Schizophrenia (positive & negative symptoms) Bipolar disorder Schizoaffective disorder Augmentation for treatment-resistant depression Notable side effects: Weight gain, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, sedation, EPS (lower than 1st gen)

Answer 19

Examples: Aripiprazole (Abilify), Brexpiprazole (Rexulti), Cariprazine (Vraylar) MOA: Partial agonists at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors Antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors Indications: Schizophrenia Bipolar I disorder Depression adjunct (e.g., Aripiprazole, Brexpiprazole) Advantages: Lower risk of weight gain and sedation Less metabolic effects Lower risk of EPS and TD compared to first- and second-gen agents

Answer 20

* **Take lithium with food** to reduce gastrointestinal upset. * **Maintain a consistent salt intake**: Lithium levels can be affected by fluctuations in salt intake, dehydration, or excessive sweating. * **Stay hydrated**, but avoid excessive fluid intake (this can dilute lithium levels). * **Regular blood tests** are required to monitor lithium levels; **normal therapeutic levels** are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. * **Avoid dehydration** and **monitor for signs of toxicity**, such as **tremors, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea**, and **severe weakness**. * **Monitor kidney function**, as lithium can affect renal function over time.

Answer 21

* **Substance abuse**: Individuals with psychotic disorders, especially schizophrenia, may be at increased risk for** substance use disorders** (e.g., alcohol, drugs). * **Suicide risk**: People with **schizophrenia** and other psychotic disorders have a higher **suicide risk** due to the **severity** of their symptoms,** depression**, and **social isolation**. * **Social and occupational impairment**: Psychotic disorders can lead to **significant social isolation** and **difficulty maintaining employment** or relationships. * **Physical health problems**: Some psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia, can lead to **neglect of physical health**, which increases the risk of** chronic illness**. * **Non-compliance with treatment**: Due to **lack of insight** or side effects of medications, individuals may **discontinue** their prescribed treatments.

Answer 22

**Persecution**: This delusion involves the belief of being threatened and having fears of harm from others. Representative quote: “The FBI listens in on my phone conversations.” **Grandeur**: This is the belief in one's own importance and power, which may include thoughts of being a deity. Representative quote: “I am Jesus Christ.” **Reference**: This delusion involves the belief that all events have a personal meaning specifically for the individual. Representative quote: “This article in the newspaper has a message for me.” **Control or Influence**: This is the belief that one’s behavior is being controlled externally. Representative quote: “The doctor implanted a transmitter in my brain.” **Somatic**: This delusion is centered on false beliefs about body functioning. Representative quote: “I know I’m pregnant even though the test is negative.” **Nihilistic**: This involves the belief that oneself or others do not exist. Representative quote: “I am not alive.”

Answer 23

Interferes with binding of dopamine to D1 and D2 postsynaptic receptors in the limbic system

Answer 24

**Therapeutic Range** 0.6–1.2 mEq/L **Abnormal Levels** > 1.5 mEq/L **Toxicity Signs** Tremors, confusion, ataxia, seizures **Monitoring** Regular serum levels, kidney and thyroid function

Answer 25

**Therapeutic Range** 50–100 mcg/mL **Abnormal Levels** > 150 mcg/mL **Toxicity Signs** Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, tremors **Monitoring** Serum levels, LFTs, platelet count

Answer 26

**Therapeutic Range** 4–12 mcg/mL **Abnormal Levels** > 12 mcg/mL **Toxicity Signs** Drowsiness, ataxia, blood dyscrasias **Monitoring** Serum levels, CBC, liver function tests

Answer 27

**Therapeutic Range** 350–600 ng/mL **Abnormal Levels** > 600 ng/mL **Toxicity Signs** Agranulocytosis, seizures, NMS **Monitoring** Regular blood counts, liver and cardiovascular health

Answer 28

metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and lipids. synthesizing and storing glycogen via glycogenesis releases glucose into the bloodstream via glycogenolysis when it is needed to maintain homeostasis. gluconeogenesis, the liver synthesizes glucose from other substances, such as amino acids, lactate, or glycerol; the liver also uses fat for this process. protein metabolism, both synthesizing and destroying proteins. Amino acids are also synthesized by the liver. production of red blood cells and clotting factors necessary for digestion, as it produces and excretes bile that emulsifies ingested fats and promotes vitamin K absorption The liver is a gastrointestinal (GI) organ, and so its function is necessary for digestion, as it produces and excretes bile that emulsifies ingested fats and promotes vitamin K absorption. metabolizes many medications and toxic substances. Urea, the metabolite of ammonia, is metabolized by the liver and then excreted in urine storage for many life-sustaining substances; it stores vitamins (A, D, K, B12) and the elements iron and copper manufactures and stores albumin production of angiotensinogen, a hormone that causes blood pressure to increase in response to renin, helps to maintain normal blood pressure

Answer 29

Alcohol and drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, opioids) can damage liver cells Causes inflammation → hepatitis, fat buildup → steatosis, scarring → fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis * Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) * Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) * Cirrhosis * Hepatitis (alcoholic or viral) * Liver cancer * Liver failure

Answer 30

**Mild Symptoms** (6-12 hours after last drink): - Tremors (shakes) - Anxiety - Sweating - Nausea/vomiting - Headache - Insomnia - Irritability **Severe Symptoms** (12-48 hours after last drink): - Delirium Tremens (DTs): Severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures. - Seizures: Typically occur 6-48 hours after last drink. - Tachycardia, hypertension, and fever.

Answer 31

* Chronic alcohol use causes the brain to adapt to the depressive effects of alcohol (by increasing inhibitory GABA activity and decreasing excitatory glutamate activity). * When alcohol consumption stops abruptly, the brain becomes hyper-excitable, leading to symptoms like anxiety, tremors, seizures, and delirium. * The autonomic nervous system becomes overactive, causing symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Answer 32

* Risky behaviors * Unintentional Injury * Motor vehicles crashes * Falls * Drownings * Sexual promiscuity * Unintended pregnancy * Sexually transmitted disease * Fetal alcohol syndrome * Medical emergencies * Alcohol poisoning * Violence * Against self or others

Answer 33

* Chronic diseases * Hypertension * Cardiovascular disease * Stroke * Cancers * Mental illness * Liver disease * Fatty liver disease * Alcoholic hepatitis * Cirrhosis * Hepatic encephalopathy

Answer 34

* Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): * Deficiency: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (confusion, ataxia, and memory issues). * Symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, muscle weakness, and confusion. * Vitamin B9 (Folate): * Deficiency: Anemia and neurological impairments. * Symptoms: Fatigue, shortness of breath, paleness, irritability. * Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): * Deficiency: Neuropathy, anemia, and cognitive impairments. * Symptoms: Peripheral neuropathy, Anemia, Mood changes, Glossitis, seizures

Answer 35

**Tremors**: Rhythmic shaking or involuntary movement, often seen in withdrawal or neurological disorders. **Ataxia**: Lack of muscle coordination, leading to unsteady movements or difficulty walking. **Dyskinesia**: Abnormal, involuntary movements (e.g., lip smacking, jerking movements). **Akathisia**: Restlessness, a constant need to move. **Tardive Dyskinesia**: Involuntary repetitive movements, often due to long-term antipsychotic medication use. **Dystonia**: Muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures, spasms, or twisting movements.

Answer 36

Neurological (agitation, anxiety, insomnia), yawning, sweating, tremors, piloerection (goosebumps), eye/ear/nose/throat (dilated pupils, excessive tearing, rhinorrhea, sneezing), gastrointestinal (cramps, cravings, diarrhea), and cardiovascular (hypertension, tachycardia)

Answer 37

* Self help organizations * Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide support for sobriety and also support the family members through related groups * Motivational interviewing * Uses focused questions to help the individual optimize adaptive coping skills and to learn new behavioral skills * Marital therapy involves the spouse in the therapeutic process and educates the couple on how to develop a home environment that supports sobriety

Answer 38

Disulfiram is a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). It works by causing severe reactions (such as nausea, vomiting, and flushing) when alcohol is consumed, creating a strong aversion to drinking. It is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol.