Neuro

Question 1

Give 3 risk factors for depression:

Answer 1

Any 3 of the following: Chronic comorbidities, Other mental health problems, Female, Old age, Medicines (e.g. corticosteroids), Recent childbirth, Psychosocial issues, history of previous depression, Family history of depressive illness, Adverse childhood experiences (e.g. sexual abuse), Personality factors, Head injuries

Question 2

Give 3 signs or symptoms of depression:

Answer 2

Depressed/low mood, Anhedonia, Functional impairment, Weight change, Libido change, Sleep disturbance, Changes in movement, Low energy, Excessive guilt, Poor concentration, Suicidal ideation

Question 3

What key investigations would you do to diagnose depression and rule out other conditions?

Answer 3

FBC (anaemia), Thyroid function tests (Hypothyroidism), Metabolic panel, PHQ2 and PHQ9 questionnaires, Various depression scales depending on circumstance. NB Depression diagnosis is mainly clinical. Assess clinically + look for symptoms and RF.

Question 4

What key investigations would you do to diagnose depression and rule out other conditions?

Answer 4

FBC (anaemia), Thyroid function tests (Hypothyroidism), Metabolic panel, PHQ2 and PHQ9 questionnaires, Various depression scales depending on circumstance. NB Depression diagnosis is mainly clinical. Assess clinically + look for symptoms and RF.

Question 5

Give 3 classes of antidepressants and a drug in that class:

Answer 5

SSRI - Fluoxetine
SNRI - Duloxetine
TCAs - Amitryptyline
MAOIs - Isocarboxazid

Question 6

What is the mechanism of action of Fluoxetine?

Answer 6

Fluoxetine exerts its effects by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic serotonin neurons by blocking the reuptake transporter protein located in the presynaptic terminal

Question 7

Give a non-pharmalogical treatment for depression:

Answer 7

Social prescribing, CBT, Talking therapy, Support groups, Physical activity programmes