PSYCH 3: Memory, Stress Disorders, Speech Disorders, Sectioning Flashcards
What is dementia?
Acquired, chronic and progressive cognitive impairment sufficient to impair ADLs
Most common form = Alzheimer’s, then vascular then lewy body
What is the aetiology of Alzheimer’s disease?
Hippocampus affected first and then cortex:
1. Amyloid - AB protein forms which forms toxic aggregate
2. Tau - hyperphosphorylated tau protein forms neurofibrillary tangle aggregates
3. Inflammation - increased inflam mediators and decreased neuroprotective proteins
What are RFs for Alzheimer’s disease?
Primarily age
Genetics
Head injury
Down’s syndrome
What are the key symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
4 A’s:
Amnesia - recent memories lost first
Aphasia - difficulty finding correct words (Broca’s), speech muddle/disjointed
Agnosia - typically visual (i.e. prosopagnosia = recognising faces)
Apraxia - typically dressing (skilled tasks, despite normal motor functioning)
+ psychiatric presentations e.g. delusions, depression, GAD
+ GRADUAL DETERIORATION
How do the other subtypes of dementia present?
VASCULAR = stepwise decline, retained pre-morbid personality, neuro signs related to infarct sign, CVD hx or RF
LEWY BODY = fluctuating confusion w/lucid intervals, visual hallucinations, parkinsonism
FRONTOTEMPORAL = more common in <65yo, change in personality and behaviour
How is dementia investigated?
BEDSIDE = AMTS <7 indicates cognitive impairment, MMSE, MOCA
(NICE just indicates a validated cognitive assessment)
BLOODS = dementia/delirium screen
- FBC, U&Es and dipstick, TFTs, LFTs, HbA1c, B12 and folate, calcium
Consider if indicated: urine MC&S, CXR, ECG, syphilis serology, HIV serology
IMAGING/FURTHER TESTS =
- Alzheimer’s = MRI to check for grey matter atrophy, wide ventricles
- Vascular = ECG, CT/MRI
- Memory assessment clinic = risk assess patient and conduct MMSE for cognition assessment
How is Alzheimer’s disease managed?
BIOLOGICAL
- Mild = anticholinesterases e.g. donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine (DGR = dementia got real): used for mild AD, lewy body + parkinsons dementia. SEs = GI, muscle spasms, bradycardia, miosis
- Severe = NDMA (glutamate receptor) antagonist e.g. memantine (blocking excessive excitation w/glutamate preserves neurones, prevents neuronal death)
PSYCHOLOGICAL
- structural group cognition stimulation sessions, group reminiscence therapy, validation therapy
- charities to help with carer support e.g. dementia UK
- mental health issues signposting
SOCIAL
- future wishes, discuss LPA, advanced directives
- care package
- social support measures e.g. meal support, ADL support, alt. accomm
- pt orientation
- safety measures
- follow up every 6mths w/Dr and named care manager
What is Charles Bonnet Syndrome?
Persistent or recurrent complex hallucinations (usually visual or auditory), occurring in clear consciousness
Generally against background of visual impairment e.g. age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts
insight usually preserved
in absence of any other significant neuropsychiatric disturbance
What is the difference between a normal and abnormal grief reaction?
NORMAL = denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance cycle, can last up to 2yrs but diagnosed generally if lasting >6mths
ABNORMAL = delayed onset of grief, greater intensity, not ‘progressing’ through cycle, suicidal/psychotic sx, more likely if sudden death/problematic relationship/lack of support
What are pseudohallucinations?
false sensory perception in absence of external stimuli when affected person is aware they’re hallucinating - common in grieving people
What is adjustment disorder?
Subjective distress <6mths, usually interfering w/social functioning, arising in period of adaptation (1 month) to a significant life change e.g. divorce, death, unemployment, moving
What is the difference between acute stress disorder, PTSD and chronic PTSD?
Acute stress disorder = stress reaction that occurs in first 4w following a traumatic event, sx must last for >3d to warrant diagnosis
PTSD = stress reaction occurring for >4w following exposure to traumatic event
Chronic PTSD = last >1yr
How does PTSD present?
Triad of sx =
- Reexperiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive intrusive images
- Avoidance: avoiding people/places/situations/associations w/event
- Hyperarousal: hypervigilance for threat, exaggerated startle response, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating
+/- mood disorders, self-harm/destructive behaviours, somatic sx
How does PTSD present differently from ASD?
- sx in clusters not necessarily totality
- dissociative subtype but depersonalisation/derealisation rare in ASD
- non-fear based sx whereas rare in acute stress
How are stress disorders investigated and managed?
IX = full and thorough history, TSQ (trauma screening questionnaire), CRIES8 (child revised impacts of events scale)
If ?PTSD - routine referral to CAMHS for formal diagnosis
Rule out organic causes for depression w/blood tests
MX =
ASD - conservative mx (sleep hygiene, support groups etc.)
PTSD - trauma based CBT, EMDR (if more severe)
Meds not routinely considered but if so SSRI then antipsychotics considered
How does panic disorder present?
Recurrent attacks of anxiety not triggered by any particular situation or set of circumstances i.e. unpredictable
- don’t satisfy criteria for GAD, depression or other psych disorders, concern regarding attacks has persisted >1 month
Sx = palpitations, sweating, tremor, chest tightness, sudden onset, thoughts of doom/urgently seeking safety
How is panic disorder managed?
Education, reassurance and self-help (IAPT)
Medication in severe cases - SSRI, then trial TCA or benzo if no improvement.
NO BENZOS BECAUSE:
- only sx relief of anxiety, only for short term use
- very addictive
- tolerant within 2w
- delays other treatments and people who take them perform less well in psych therapy sessions
- also risk of withdrawal
What is a phobia?
Fear reaction to a specific stimuli that impacts daily life.
SOCIAL PHOBIA = fear of scrutiny by other people leading to avoidance of situation
AGORAPHOBIA = cluster of phobias defined by being unable to escape a place of people e.g. leaving home, crowds, entering shops, planes/buses etc.
How are phobias investigated and managed?
Ix =
Full history
SPIN/social phobia inventory or Liebowitz social phobia scale to assess degree of social phobia
Mx = conservative + CBT w/ERP (exposure and response prevention) focus
Indications for CBT?
Depression
Anxiety
BPD
Alcohol abstinence
PND
Delusional disorder
Panic disorder
Schizophrenia
Somatisation
Indications for counselling/talking therapy/psychotherapy?
Adjustment disorder
Baby blues
Dissociative disorder
Grief reaction
Indications for family training programme?
Eating disorders (1st line)
ADHD
Conduct disorder
Indications for dialectical behaviour therapy?
Personality disorders