Opening up to Mental Health

Question 1

What are some red flags for potential mental health problems?

Answer 1

• Unexplained chronic pain or fatigue,
• Recurrent presentations,
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns,
• Signs of impairment in work/home life,
• Signs of past/present use of alcohol or drugs,
• Previous mental health problems,
• Chronic physical health problems

Question 2

What is one way of ‘examining’ mental health

Answer 2

By completing a brief mental status exam

Question 3

What Are some sources of support for mental health problems?

Answer 3

• Self help groups, support groups, local/national resources, support from family/friends

Question 4

What are some areas to signpost to patients suffering with poor mental health?

Answer 4

• Samaritans,
• Mind Infoline,
• GP,
• OOH service (111),
• A+E or 999

Question 5

What are the key symptoms of a generalised anxiety disorder?

Answer 5

• Excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities,
• Difficulty controlling the worrying,
• Occurs on a majority of days for at least 6 months,
• Not in keep with different anxiety disorder

Question 6

What are the associated symptoms of GAD

Answer 6

• Restlessness,
• Being easily fatigued,
• Difficulty concentrating,
• Irritability,
• Muscle tension,
• Disturbed sleep

Question 7

What is the management of GAD

Answer 7

Step 1 - Identification and assessment.
Step 2 - Low intensity psychological interventions,
Step 3 - High intensity psychological intervention (CBT) or drugs.
Step 4 - Highly specialised treatment (complex drug or psychological treatment)

Question 8

Drug treatments for GAD?

Answer 8

1st line - SSRI like sertraline.
2nd line - alternative SSRI or SNRI.
3rd line - Pregabalin

Question 9

What are some symptoms of psychosis?

Answer 9

Delusions and hallucinations

Question 10

What are dilusions?

Answer 10

• A false, fixed, strange or irrational belief that is firmly held. The belief is not normally accepted by other members of the same culture or group.

Question 11

What are hallucinations?

Answer 11

Sensory perception without an appropriate stimulus

Question 12

What is the treatment of psychosis

Answer 12

Its specialist led and dependant on cause. Usually a combination of anti-psychotic medications, psychological therapist, social support and occupational and educational interventions