Psych

Question 1

What is the diagnostic definition of Major Depressive Disorder

Answer 1

At least 5 of the following symptoms, for a minimum of 2 weeks and MUST include either depressed mood or anhedonia
- Depressed mood
- Anhedonia
- Weight/appetite significant change
- Insomnia/hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling or worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Diminished ability to think/concentrate or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupation or other functioning
Symptoms are not caused by physiological substance or condition
Symptoms not better explained by another MH disorder
NEVER any manic or hypomanic episodes

Question 2

What are the mneumonics for depression and mania

Answer 2

Depression
SIG E CAPS
- Sleep
- Interest
- Guilt
- Energy levels
- Concentration
- Appetite
- Psychomotor
- SI

Mania
DIG FAST
- Distractibility
- Irritability
- Grandiosity
- Flight of ideas
- Activity increased
- Sleeplessness
- Thoughtlessness (impulsivity)

Question 3

How do you distinguish grief and adjustment disorders from MDD

Answer 3

Normal grief does NOT include guilt, loss of self esteem, feelings of worthlessness, SI, psychomotor retardation to occupational dysfunction. Severe symptoms should resolve within 6-12 months

Adjustment disorders are behavioral or emotional disorders that occur in response to an identifiable stressor the is OUT OF PROPORTION. Occurs within 3 months and does not last more than 6. Can include suicidal behavior, hopelessness and low self esteem

Question 4

What are some organic causes of mood disorders

Answer 4

Parkinsons - electrical stimulation of substantia nigra can alleviate depression
Malignant neoplasms - pancreatic carcinoma, brain neoplasm, lymphoma
CAD/MI
Stroke
End stage renal disease
Connective tissue disorders
AIDS