Psych Flashcards
What is transient global amnesia?
A neurological condition characterised by a temporary but total disruption of both short and long term memory. Other cognitive functions are preserved
Give 3 questionnaires used for depression severity
PHQ-9
HADS
BDI-II
What is 1st line in moderate-severe depression?
CBT and SSRI/SNRI
How should an antidepressant be stopped?
Reduce the dose/frequency gradually over a 4 week period (not necessary for fluoxetine)
How long does it take for the effects of antidepressants to be seen
2 weeks
How long should you give somebody on an antidepressant with inadequate response?
6-8 weeks then consider switching
Give some features of serotonin syndrome
Confusion Delirium Shivering Sweating Changes in blood pressure Myoclonus
What drug class is citalopram?
SSRI
If somebody presents with new onset palpitations and feeling on edge, what is the 1st line next step management?
48hr holter ECG
What is 1st line drug management of Alzheimers?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors e.g. donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine
When are drugs like donepezil and rivastigmine contraindicated in Alzheimers?
Long QT syndrome, sinus bradycardia (less than 50), 2nd/3rd degree heart block
What is 1st line in treating MND?
Riluzole (anti-glutamate) - potentiates movement
How does autoimmune encephalitis present?
VIRAL ILLNESS prior to symptom onset (demyelination)
Confusion Seizures Movement disorders Behavioural changes Emotional lability Cognitive impairment Reduced Conscious level
How do you treat autoimmune encephalitis?
Steroids and IV IgG/Plasma exchange
What is cotard delusion
Belief that the patient is dead, non-existant or rotting
What pathological findings are seen in the brain in Alzheimers?
Beta-amyloid plaques
Neurofibrillary tangles
Hyperphosphorylated TAU proteins
What symptoms does Lewy Body dementia classically present with?
Triad of:
- REM sleep disorder
- History of falls
- Lilliputian hallucinations
What antipsychotic should be switched to if patients experience prolactinaemia from other antispsychotics
Aripiprazole
Why do patients commonly experience prolactinaemia from antipsychotics e.g. rispiridone/haliperodol
They are dopamine receptor antagonists
Which SSRIs are most appropriate in breastfeeding?
Sertraline and paroxetine
What are 1st line in ACUTE mania mangement?
Antipsychotics e.g. haloperidol, risperidone, quetiapine
What is 1st line in long term management of bipolar?
Lithium
How long must symptoms of anxiety be present to diagnose GAD?
6 months
How long must depression symptoms be there to diagnose depression
2 weeks
What are the criteria for mild depression
2 core symptoms and 1 biological symptom