Psych Flashcards
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define illusion
The false perception of a real external stimulus
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define hallucination
An internal perception occurring without a corresponding external stimulus.
PHENOMENOLOGY In terms of hallucinations, what are... i) the main senses? ii) somatic? iii) hypnogogic/hypnopompic iv) autoscopic? v) reflex? vi) extracampine?
i) Auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, tactile
ii) within the person
iii) when going to sleep/when waking up = normal
iv) seeing oneself
v) production of a hallucination in one sensory modality by a stimulus in a different modality
vi) hallucinations which are experienced outside the normal sensory field (seeing something behind them)
PHENOMENOLOGY
What is Charles-Bonnet Syndrome?
What conditions may it be seen in?
- Complex visual hallucinations in a patient with partial/severe blindness (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy).
- Pts understand that the hallucinations are not real + so often have insight
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define pseudo-hallucination
A perception in the absence of an external stimulus
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define over-valued idea
A false or exaggerated belief held with conviction but not with delusional intensity.
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define delusion
A fixed, false, unshakable belief which is out of keeping with the patient’s educational, cultural + social norms. It’s held with extraordinary conviction + certainty (even despite contradictory evidence)
PHENOMENOLOGY
In terms of delusions, what are…
i) persecutory?
ii) grandiose?
i) the idea that someone/something is trying to inflict harm on them (being followed, poisoned)
ii) idea that the person themselves are powerful/crucially important beyond truth
PHENOMENOLOGY
In terms of delusions, what are…
i) nihilistic?
ii) reference?
i) theme involves intense feelings of emptiness, sense of everything being unreal
ii) false belief that insignificant remarks/objects in one’s environment have personal meaning/significance (newspaper has hidden text related to them)
PHENOMENOLOGY
What are the 3 delusional misidentification syndromes?
- Capgras = idea someone has been replaced by an imposter.
- Fregoli = idea various people are the same person
- Intermetamorphosis = one significant relative is replaced by another (father is son).
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define delusional perception and give an example
A primary delusion of two components – where a normal perception is subject to delusional interpretation
E.g. – traffic light changed red so that means I am the son of God
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define thought alienation. What are the 3 components of this?
Sx of psychosis in which patients feel that their own thoughts are in some way no longer in their control
Insertion = delusional belief thoughts placed into pts head from external
Withdrawal = delusional belief thoughts removed from head from external
Broadcast = delusional belief thoughts are accessible directly to others without expressing them
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define concrete thinking
Loss of ability to understand abstract concepts + metaphorical ideas leading to a strictly literal form of speech
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define thought disorder and formal thought disorder
TD = disorganised thinking as evidenced by disorganised speech/beliefs FTD = pts expressive language (form) indicates that the links between consecutive thoughts aren't meaningful (disorganised speech evident from disorganised thinking)
PHENOMENOLOGY In terms of thought disorders, what is... i) flight of ideas? ii) pressure of speech? iii) poverty of speech/alogia?
i) Abrupt leaps between topics as thoughts present more rapidly than can be articulated. Each thought = more associations. ?Discernible links between successive ideas. Presents as pressure of speech.
ii) Rapid speech w/out pauses which is difficult to interrupt
iii) Lack of spontaneous speech
PHENOMENOLOGY In terms of thought disorders, what is... i) tangentiality? ii) thought block? iii) clang association (± alliteration) iv) circumstantiality?
i) Wandering from the topic + never returning to it
ii) Sudden + unintentional break in chain of thought
iii) Severe form of flight of ideas whereby ideas are related only by similar/rhyming sounds rather than meaning
iv) Irrelevant wandering in conversation (going around the point).
PHENOMENOLOGY In terms of thought disorders, what is... i) loosening of association? ii) perseveration? iii) echolalia?
i) Aka derailment/Knight’s move thinking = a lack of logical association between sequential thoughts, often leading to incoherent speech
ii) Persistent repetition of words/ideas that were initially appropriate but continue past this point
iii) repeating other’s words/phrases
PHENOMENOLOGY In terms of thought disorders, what is... i) neologisms? ii) incoherence/word salad? iii) poverty of thought?
i) Making up new words
ii) Confused or unintelligible mixture of seemingly random words and phrases
iii) Subjective experience of being devoid of thoughts
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define confabulation + state what conditions you would find this in
Giving a false account to fill in a gap in memory.
Korsakoff’s psychosis + dementia
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define passivity phenomena?
- Delusion that one is a passive recipient of actions from an external agency against their will
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define psychomotor retardation + state what conditions you would find this in
- Slowing down of mental or physical activities
- Parkinson’s, depression
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define incongruity of affect
Emotional responses that differs markedly from the expected emotion for the situation/subject like laughing whilst discussing trauma
PHENOMENOLOGY
What is the difference between blunting and flattening of affect?
- Blunting = dulled response to emotional stimuli
- Flattening = no response to emotional stimuli
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define depersonalisation + derealisation
- Where a person doesn’t believe themselves to be real
- Where a person doesn’t believe the world/people around them to be real
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define obsession
- Unwanted intrusive thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. Recognised as person’s own thoughts (insight)
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define compulsion
- Repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define thought echo
Auditory hallucination in which the content is the individual’s current thoughts spoken aloud as if next to them
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define catatonia/stupor
Abnormality of movement + behaviour arising from a disturbed mental state, typically severe depression or schizophrenia
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define anhedonia
Inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define belle indifference
A surprising lack of concern for, or denial of, apparently severe functional disability (not specific to psych)
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define dissociation
When a person feels disconnected from themselves or their surroundings (including emotions)
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define conversion
Development of features suggestive of physical illness but which are attributed to psych illness or emotional disturbance rather than organic pathology
PHENOMENOLOGY
What is the difference between stereotypy and mannerism?
- Stereotypy = persistent repetition of an act for no obvious purpose
- Mannerism = gesture which is peculiar to the individual
PHENOMENOLOGY
Define projection + give an example
What is emotionally unacceptable in the self is unconsciously rejected + projected to others (e.g. mother projects anxiety on children claiming they’re anxious)
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What are the main principles of the MHA?
- Respect for pts wishes + feelings (past + present)
- Minimise restrictions on liberty
- Public safety
- Pts well-being + safety
- Effectiveness of treatment
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What does an individual have to show to be sectioned?
- Evidence of MH disorder
- Evidence they’re serious risk to self, safety or others
- Evidence there is good reason to warrant attention in hospital
- Appropriate treatment must be available for a S3
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What is a…
i) section 12 approved dr?
ii) approved mental health professional?
i) ≥ST4 Dr who has done extra training in MH to get S12 approved to section pts
ii) AMHPs are often social workers who have done extra training in MH
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
Who can remove sections?
- Consultant psychiatrist
- MH review tribunal (MHT) if pt disagrees w/ section
- Nearest relative can make an order to discharge pt from hospital with 72h written notice
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What is the purpose, duration, location + professionals involved for a Section 2?
P – admission for assessment, treatment can be given w/out consent
D – 28d, cannot be renewed, can be converted to S3
L – anywhere in community (airports, jail, A+E, etc)
Prof – 2 Drs (1x S12), 1 AMHP, or nearest relative
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What is the purpose, duration, location + professionals involved for a Section 3?
Who is involved if a pt is medicated without consent?
P – admission for treatment
D – 6m, can be renewed
L – anywhere in community
Prof – 2 Drs (1x S12), 1 AMHP, nearest relative
Second opinion appointed doctor (SOAD) – after 3m
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What is the purpose, duration, location + professionals involved for a Section 4?
P – emergency order where waiting for S2 would lead to undesirable delay
D – 72h
L – anywhere in community
P – 1 S12 Dr, 1 AMHP, nearest relative
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
Where can you apply a S5?
What can the team not do?
- Voluntary pt in hospital that wants to leave (NOT A+E as not admitted)
- Coercively treat the pt
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What is the purpose, duration + professionals involved for a Section 5(2)?
P – Drs holding power, allows for S2/3 assessment
D – 72h
Prof – 1 Dr (FY2 or above)
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What is the purpose, duration + professionals involved for a Section 5(4)?
P – nurses holding power until Dr attends to assess
D – 6h
Prof – 1 registered nurse
MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983
What are the 2 police sections and their differences? What is the duration and purpose of these?
- S135 – needs magistrates court order to access pts home + remove them
- S136 –person suspected of having mental disorder in a public place
D – 24h (extend to 36h if intoxicated but should be seen sooner)
P – taken to place of safety (local psych unit, police cell) for further assessment
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the two types of anti-psychotics?
Give examples.
- Typical/1st gen = haloperidol, zuclopenthixol, chlorpromazine
- Atypical/2nd gen = olanzapine, risperidone (depot), clozapine, aripiprazole (depot), quetiapine
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What is the mechanism of action of typical anti-psychotics?
What is the issues?
- Antagonism of Dopamine D2 receptor
- Not selective so can bind to other dopaminergic pathways causing generalised dopamine receptor blockade
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What pathway do typical anti-psychotics work on to…
i) have anti-psychotic effect?
ii) cause side effects?
i) Mesolimbic pathway (reduces +ve Sx)
ii) Nigrostriatal (Parkinsonism), tuberoinfundibular (prolactin)
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What is the mechanism of action of atypical anti-psychotics?
What is the benefit of atypical anti-psychotics?
What anti-psychotic has a reduced SE profile and why?
- Antagonists at dopamine D2 receptors but more selective in dopamine blockade + also block serotonin 5-HT2a
- More useful in treating -ve Sx of schizophrenia + less likely to cause EPSEs
- Aripiprazole as partial dopamine agonist
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What is the most crucial adverse effect of clozapine?
What is the most common adverse effect?
What other adverse effects may it have?
- Severe life-threatening agranulocytosis
- Constipation (big issue in elderly)
- Reduced seizure threshold, hypersalivation (Rx hyoscine hydrobromide)
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the 5 broad categories of SEs caused by anti-psychotics?
- Extra-pyramidal side effects (EPSEs)
- Hyperprolactinaemia
- Metabolic
- Anticholinergic
- Neurological
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the EPSEs?
- Acute dystonic reaction
- Parkinsonism
- Akathisia
- Tardive dyskinesia
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
How does Parkinsonism present?
How is it managed?
- Bradykinesia, rigid, resting pill-rolling tremor + postural instability
- Reduce dose or switch to atypical anti-psychotic
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
How does akathisia present?
What is a risk of this?
How is it managed?
- Motor restlessness, typically lower legs (can’t sit still)
- Massive RF for suicide in young men with schizophrenia
- Reduce dose, introduce beta-blocker (propranolol)
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
How does tardive dyskinesia present?
When does it present?
How is it managed?
- Purposeless involuntary movements (chewing, lip smacking, blinking, tongue protrusion)
- After months-years of Tx
- Prevention crucial, switch to atypical anti-psychotic, tetrabenazine used if mod–severe but unlikely to completely resolve
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the SEs from hyperprolactinaemia?
- Sexual dysfunction (+ anti-adrenergic)
- Osteoporosis risk
- Amenorrhoea
- Galactorrhoea, gynaecomastia + hypogonadism in men
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the metabolic SEs?
- Weight gain (esp. olanzapine)
- Hyperlipidaemia, risk of stroke + VTE in elderly
- T2DM risk + metabolic syndrome
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the anticholinergic SEs?
Can't see, pee, spit, shit – - Blurred vision - Urinary retention - Dry mouth - Constipation \+ tachycardia
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What are the neurological SEs?
- Seizures
- Postural hypotension (anti-adrenergic)
- Sedation
- Headaches
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What baseline investigations are done for people starting on anti-psychotics?
- FBC, U+Es, LFTs, lipids, BMI, fasting glucose, prolactin, BP, ECG (QTc prolongation) + smoking status (can reduce effects by enhancing metabolism so issues if suddenly stop)
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What regular investigations are done for people on anti-psychotics?
- Lipids + BMI at 3m
- Fasting glucose + prolactin at 6m
- Frequent BP during dose titration
- FBC, U+Es, LFTs, lipids, BMI, fasting glucose, prolactin + CV risk yearly
ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
What specific monitoring is required for clozapine?
What happens if they miss a dose?
- FBC at baseline + weekly for 18w, fortnightly until 1y + monthly after
- If not taken for 48h needs retitrating
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What monitoring is needed when starting someone on an anti-depressant?
When can an anti-depressant be stopped?
- 2 weekly to ensure dose working + patient stable (risk of suicidality), may take up to 6w to start working
- Carried on 6m after Sx resolved even if patient feels better to reduce risk of relapse
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
How should anti-depressants be stopped?
Why?
- Gradual dose reduction over 4w
- Sudden cessation can cause severe withdrawal effects (mostly GI) – abdo pain, D+V, difficulty sleeping, sweating + mood change
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?
Give some examples
- Prevents reuptake of serotonin from synaptic cleft so prolonged serotonin in synaptic cleft = prolonged neuronal activity
- Citalopram, sertraline (#1 post MI), fluoxetine (#1 CAMHS)
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are the side effects of SSRIs?
- GI = N+V, diarrhoea, constipation
- Hyponatraemia
- Anxiety + agitation
- Citalopram + QTc prolongation (dose-dependent)
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are some cautions for SSRIs?
- May precipitate manic phase in bipolar
- 1st trimester risk of CHD, 3rd trimester risk of persistent pulmonary HTN
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are some interactions for SSRIs?
- NSAIDs + aspirin = increased risk of bleeding, co-prescribe PPI
- Can lower seizure threshold
- Avoid triptans > serotonin syndrome
- Do not start until 2w after stopping MAOI + vice-versa as increased risk of serotonin syndrome
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What is the mechanism of action of SNRIs?
Give some examples
- Prevents reuptake of serotonin AND noradrenaline from synaptic cleft
- Venlafaxine, duloxetine
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are some side effects of SNRIs?
What are some interactions of SNRIs?
- GI (N+V, constipation)
- NSAIDs + warfarin (increased risk of bleeding), lower seizure threshold
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What is the mechanism of action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)?
Give some examples.
- Inhibits monoamine oxidase enzyme which reduces breakdown of adrenaline, noradrenaline + serotonin so increases level
- Selegiline is selective MAO-B inhibitor which also increases dopamine
- Isocarboxazid, phenelzine
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are some side effects from MAOIs?
- Sexual dysfunction, weight gain + postural hypotension
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are some cautions with MAOIs?
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if used with other serotonergic drugs
- Hypertensive crisis with ingestion of foods containing tyramine (aged cheeses, smoked/cured meats, pickled herring, Bovril, Marmite)
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What is the mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Give some examples
- Prevents reuptake of serotonin + noradrenaline from synaptic cleft
- Amitriptyline, dosulepin, imipramine
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What are the side effects of TCAs?
What cautions are there for TCAs?
- Anticholinergic (can’t see, pee, spit, shit)
- Caution in CVD, avoid following MI
- Cardiotoxic in overdose so caution in suicidal patients (QTc prolongation)
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
In terms of TCA overdose…
i) mild-moderate Sx?
ii) severe Sx?
iii) ECG signs?
iv) management?
i) Dilated pupils, dry mouth, urinary retention
ii) Fits, coma, arrhythmias > arrest
iii) Sinus tachy, wide QRS, prolonged QT interval
iv) IV sodium bicarbonate
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
What is the mechanism of action of mirtazapine?
What are some side effects?
- Blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors > increased release of neurotransmitters
- Increased appetite + weight gain + sedation are big ones, also increased triglyceride levels
MOOD STABILISERS
What are some examples of mood stabilisers?
What is the mechanism of action?
What is the therapeutic range of the most common mood stabiliser?
- Lithium (first line), AEDs such as valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine
- Lithium inhibits cAMP production which inhibits monoamines
- Narrow therapeutic range 0.4–1.0mmol/L
MOOD STABILISERS
What are the side effects of lithium?
LITHIUM –
- Leukocytosis
- Insipidus (diabetes, nephrogenic)
- Tremors (fine if SE, coarse if toxicity)
- Hydration (easily dehydrates, renally cleared)
- Increased GI motility (N+V, diarrhoea)
- Underactive thyroid
- Mums beware (Ebstein’s anomaly)
Can cause weight gain + derm (acne, psoriasis) long-term too
MOOD STABILISERS
What drugs does lithium interact with?
- NSAIDs, ACEi, ARBs + diuretics may increase lithium levels
- Diuretics = dehydration, NSAIDs = renal damage
MOOD STABILISERS
What baseline measurements are taken for lithium?
- FBC, U+Es (eGFR), TFTs, BMI + ECG
MOOD STABILISERS
What regular monitoring is done for lithium?
- Weekly serum lithium after initiation + dose changes until stable then every 3m for a year, then every 6m (sample taken 12h after dose)
- 6m = TFTs, U+Es (eGFR)
- Annual = BMI
BDZs
What is the mechanism of action of anxiolytics/benzodiazepines (BDZs)?
Give some examples of BDZs
- Enhance effect of inhibitory GABA (agonists) by increasing frequency of Cl- channels (hyperpolarisation prevents further excitation)
- Diazepam (longer action), lorazepam (shorter action), clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide
BDZs
What are some adverse effects of BDZs?
How would you reverse BDZs if necessary but what is a risk of this?
- Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness next day (hangover effect), tolerance, dependence
- Monitor for resp depression (caution in resp disease)
- IV flumazenil but danger of inducing status epilepticus or death
BDZs
What drugs can BDZs interact with?
- Anti-hypertensives as enhanced hypotensive effect
HYPNOTICS
What is the mechanism of action of hypnotics?
Give some examples
What are the adverse effects?
- GABA agonists
- Zopiclone, zolpidem
- Same as BDZs
ECT
What are the reasons why ECT can be done?
When is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) recommended?
- After adequate trial of other treatments ineffective and/or condition potentially life threatening
- Severe mania or depression, suicide risk, catatonia, Rx resistant psychosis
ECT
What are some contraindications to ECT?
- NO absolute, all relative
- General anaesthesia (reactions)
- Cerebral aneurysm
- Recent MI, arrhythmias
- Intracerebral haemorrhage
ECT
What are some adverse effects of ECT?
- Short-term retrograde amnesia
- Headache
- Confusion + clumsiness
DEPRESSION
What is depression?
What is the epidemiology?
- Persistent low mood ± loss of pleasure in activities – unipolar depression.
- F>M but men more likely to be substance misusers + commit suicide
DEPRESSION
What are some risk factors for depression?
- Physical co-morbidities, esp. chronic + painful (MS, stroke, DM)
- Genetics + FHx, female, substance abuse
- Traumatic events (+ve/-ve) like divorce/marriage, (un)employment, poverty, loss
- Adverse childhood experiences like abuse, poor parent relationships
DEPRESSION
What are the 3 diagnostic criteria for depression?
- Sx present most days ≥2 weeks + change from baselines
- Sx not attributable to other organic or substance causes
- Sx impair daily function + cause significant distress
DEPRESSION
What are the three core symptoms of depression?
- Low mood
- Anhedonia
- Anergia
DEPRESSION
What are some psychological symptoms of depression?
- Guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
- Self-harm/suicidality
- Low self-esteem
DEPRESSION
What are some cognitive symptoms of depression?
- Beck’s triad = negative views about oneself, the world + the future
- Poor concentration + impaired memory
- Avoiding social contact + performing poorly at work (social Sx too)
DEPRESSION
What are some somatic, or biological, symptoms of depression?
- Disturbed sleep (EMW, initial insomnia, frequent waking)
- Disturbed appetite + weight
- Loss of libido
- Diurnal mood variation (worse in morning)
- Psychomotor retardation
DEPRESSION
What are the 4 classifications of depression?
- Mild = ≥2 core + ≥2 other (minimal interference)
- Mod = ≥2 core + ≥3 other (variable interference)
- Severe = all core + ≥4 other (marked interference)
- Psychotic = Sx of depression + psychosis
DEPRESSION
What are some features of psychotic depression?
- Mood congruent hallucinations (auditory = derogatory or accusatory voices, olfactory = bad smells)
- Nihilistic delusions
- Delusions of poverty, guilt, hypochondriacal
- Catatonia or marked psychomotor retardation (depressive stupor)
DEPRESSION
What is Cotard’s syndrome?
- Delusional belief that they are dead, do not exist, are rotting or have lost their blood + internal organs
DEPRESSION
What are some investigations for depression?
- PHQ-9 + HADS to screen for depression
- Risk assessment
DEPRESSION
What is the management of mild depression?
- Watchful waiting
- Low-intensity psychosocial interventions first line (computerised CBT, individual-guided CBT, structured group physical activity programme) + psychoeducation
DEPRESSION
Should biological therapy be used in mild depression?
No unless…
- Consider if PMH mod-severe depression
- Mild depression for 2y or persists after interventions
DEPRESSION
What is the management of moderate–severe depression?
- Combination of SSRI + high-intensity psychosocial interventions first line
- Options = CBT with professional, interpersonal therapy, behavioural activation therapy
DEPRESSION
What is the CAMHS management of depression?
What tool is used to follow-up monitoring in secondary care to assess progress?
- Watch + wait, lifestyle
- First-line = CBT ± family ± interpersonal therapy (may need intensive if no response)
- 1st line antidepressant = fluoxetine
- Mood + feelings questionnaire (MFQ)
DEPRESSION
What is the management for resistant depression?
- Different antidepressants (SNRI, MAOI, mirtazapine) or sometimes combination
- Augmentation with lithium
DEPRESSION
What is the management of psychotic depression?
- ECT first line + v effective in severe cases followed by antidepressant
- Antipsychotic initiated before antidepressant if ?primary psychotic disorder then add SSRI
DEPRESSION
What is atypical depression?
What is the management?
- Mood depressed but reactive
- Hypersomnia + hyperphagia
- Leaden paralysis (heaviness in limbs)
- Phenelzine or another MAOI, if not SSRI
DEPRESSION
What is dysthymia?
What is the management?
- Chronic, sub-threshold depressive Sx which don’t meet diagnostic criteria over a long period of time
- Typically >2y of mildly depressed mood + diminished enjoyment, less severe but more chronic
- SSRIs + CBT first line
DEPRESSION
What is seasonal affective disorder?
What is the management?
- Episodes of depression which recur annually at same time each year (Jan-Feb) with remission in between
- Light therapy + SSRI
SELF-HARM + SUICIDE
What is self-harm?
What are some causes?
Why do people self harm?
- Act of intentionally injuring yourself
- Bullying, bereavement, homophobia, low self-esteem
- Feel in control, reduces feelings of tension or distress, if they feel guilty can be a punishment
SELF-HARM + SUICIDE
What are some risk factors?
What does previous self-harm indicate?
- F, social deprivation, single or divorced, LGBTQ+, mental illness
- Greatest predictor of future self-harm + increased suicide risk
SELF-HARM + SUICIDE
What is suicide?
What is parasuicide?
Why is depression higher in females but suicide higher in males?
- Act of intentionally ending your life
- Act mimics suicide but does not result in death
- Men tend to use violent means which are irreversible
SELF-HARM + SUICIDE
What are some risk factors for suicide?
SAD PERSONS –
- Sex (M>F)
- Age (peaks in young + old)
- Depression
- Previous attempt
- Ethanol
- Rational thinking loss (psychotic illness)
- Social support lacking (unemployed, homeless)
- Organised plan (avoid discovery, plan, notes, final acts)
- No spouse
- Sickness (physical illness)
SELF-HARM + SUICIDE
What are some protective factors for suicide?
What are some indicators that someone may commit suicide?
- Married men, active religious beliefs, social support, good employment
- Active planning (buy equipment, manage affairs, leave notes
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is bipolar affective disorder?
When is the peak age of onset?
- Recurrent episodes of altered mood + activity involving both upswings or (hypo)mania + downswings or depression
- Early 20s
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What are the 4 types of bipolar?
- Bipolar 1 = mania + depression in equal proportions, M>F
- Bipolar 2 = more episodes of depression, mild hypomania (easy to miss), F>M
- Cyclothymia = chronic mood fluctuations over ≥2y (can be subclinical)
- Rapid cycling = ≥4 episodes of (hypo)mania or depression in 1 year
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What are some risk factors of bipolar?
- FHx of depression or bipolar
- Traumatic life event
- Hx of abuse
- Substance abuse
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is the diagnostic criteria for bipolar?
- ≥2 episodes of mood disturbance (1 or which MUST be [hypo]manic)
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is the clinical presentation of hypomania?
> 4d with ≥3 Sx –
- Elevated mood
- Increased energy
- Increased talkativeness
- Poor concentration
- Mild reckless behaviour (overspending)
- Over-familiar, increased self-esteem
- Increased libido
- Decreased need for sleep
- Appetite change
- Partial insight
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is the clinical presentation of mania?
> 1w with ≥3 Sx –
- Extreme elation or irritability
- Overactivity + distractibility
- Pressure of speech + flight of ideas
- Impaired judgement
- Extreme risks (jump off buildings, spending spree)
- Social disinhibition + grandiosity
- Sexual disinhibition
- Decreased need for sleep, restless
- MOOD CONGRUENT PSYCHOTIC Sx
- TOTAL loss of insight
BIPOLAR DISORDER
How can you differentiate between mania and hypomania?
- Psychotic symptoms in mania e.g., grandiose delusions, catatonia (manic stupor) with marked impairment in functioning
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What are some…
i) psychiatric
ii) organic
differentials for bipolar?
i) Substance abuse, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
ii) Hyperthyroidism, steroid-induced psychosis, Cushing’s
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What investigations would you perform in suspected bipolar?
- FBC, U+Es, LFTs, glucose, TFTs, calcium
- Syphilis serology, urine drug test,
- ?neuroimaging if SOL
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is the acute biological management of bipolar disorder?
- Antipsychotic
- Stop any precipitating antidepressants
- ?ECT if severely psychotic, catatonic or suicide risk
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What is the long-term biological management of bipolar disorder?
- Lithium first-line (antipsychotics in pregnancy)
- Valproate second line but caution in women
BIPOLAR DISORDER
What type of referral would you do in bipolar?
What is the psychological management of bipolar disorder?
- Hypomania = routine CMHT referral, mania or severe depression = urgent
- CBT, interpersonal therapy, bipolar support groups
SCHIZOPHRENIA
What is schizophrenia?
What area of the brain is most affected?
- Splitting or dissociation of thoughts, loss of contact with reality
- Temporal lobe
SCHIZOPHRENIA
What is the neurotransmitter hypothesis in schizophrenia?
- Excess dopamine + overactivity in mesolimbic tract = +ve Sx
- Lack of dopamine + underactivity in mesocortical tracts = -ve Sx
SCHIZOPHRENIA
What is the epidemiology of schizophrenia?
What are some risk factors?
- 1% lifetime risk
- Strongest RF = FHx, others = Black Caribbean, migration, urban areas, cannabis use, poverty
SCHIZOPHRENIA
What are the first rank symptoms of schizophrenia?
What is the relevance?
- Delusional perceptions
- Auditory hallucinations (3 types)
- Thought alienation (insertion, withdrawal + broadcasting)
- Passivity phenomenon, incl. somatic
- ≥1 for at least 1m is strongly suggestive Dx