primary care management Flashcards
depression RF
Previous depression History of other mental illness History of substance misuse Family history of depression or suicide Domestic violence Unemployment Poor social support network Recent stressful life event – eg losses, bereavement, losing job
what should you think about when screening for depression?
A PMH of depression.
Significant illnesses causing disability.
Other mental health problems, e.g. dementia.
what are 2 key questions to ask when screening for depression?
“During the last month, have you often been botheredby feeling down, depressed or hopeless?”
“During the last month, have you been botheredby having little interest or pleasure in doing things?”
mild or moderate depression treatment?
Offer advice on sleep hygiene
Offer active monitoring(discuss concerns, provide information about depression, reassess within 2w; contact the person if they do not attend follow-up appointment).
Low-intensity psychological andpsychosocial interventions(e.g. individual self-help based on CBT principles, computerised CBT, group CBT, group physical activity programme).
what criteria must they meet before u give antidepressants in depression?
They have a past history of moderate–severe depression OR
They present with subthreshold symptoms that have been present for 2y or more OR
They have subthreshold symptoms for <2y but they don’t respond to other interventions
how does follow up work in depression?
Normally see people 2 weeks after starting, at intervals of every 2 to 4 weeks for 3 months and then at longer intervals if the response is good
In patients aged under 30, or considered at greater risk, see after one week and as frequently thereafter as appropriate until risk considered no longer clinically important
Encourage to take for at least 6 months after remission, and for up to 2 years if they are at risk of relapse
what to do if response absent or minimal after 3/4 weeks?
increase level of support and increase dose OR switch to another antidepressant
how to swap antidepressant?
first switch to diff SSRI
or switch to diff class (TCA< MAOI)
-combing and augmenting- speak to psychiatrist
-combining and augmenting with lithium
if sever and complex depression what do?
Refer for multiprofessional and possible inpatient care for people with depression who are at significant risk of self-harm, have psychotic symptoms, require complex multiprofessional care or where an expert opinion is needed.
how many people die a year from suicide?
6000 people die a year by suicide in the UK. Worldwide, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds (BMJ 2015;351:h4978).
For every one person who commits suicide, 30 people attempt suicide (BMJ 2015;351:h4978).
suicide is the biggest cause of death for:
Those aged 15–24y.
Men under 50y.
suicide RA?
Must always ask about suicidal thoughts
Will not “plant the idea of suicide” in patient
Ideation/Intent/Plans - vague, detailed, specific, already in motion
Previous attempts
Also homicidal risk
Impulsivity/self control
Access to lethal methods
Current stressors/sense of hopelessness
Protective factors
Assess whether the person has adequate social support and is aware of sources of help
Arrange help appropriate to the level of risk
If considerable immediate risk to themselves or others, refer urgently to specialist mental health services
Advise the person to seek further help if the situation deteriorates
in BP what should you NOT start if in depressed phase
Do not start SSRIs in depressed phase
if patients become hypomanic and on antidepressant what do?
STOP antidepressents
what med to be careful in pregnant ladies?
sodium valproate
