Psych Flashcards
What adjunctive therapies are recommended for treatment of atypical depression along with an SSRI or an SNRI?
Clinical Systems Improvement both recommend a trial of lithium or low-dose triiodothyronine (T3) for patients who have an incomplete response to antidepressant therapy.
What would be a useful depression medication in a patient with insomnia and weight loss?
Mirtazapine has serotonergic and noradrenergic properties and is associated with increased appetite and weight gain. It may be particularly useful for patients with insomnia and weight loss.
What electrolyte is predominately affected in patients with bulimia?
Potassium (hypokalemia leading to muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory difficulties).
Which one of the atypical antipsychotics is least associated with weight gain?
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
What are characteristic vital signs of someone with anorexia nervosa?
Hypotension, bradycardia, and hypothermia.
What has been shown to be the most efficacious treatment of depression in older patients?
Electroconvulsive therapy has been shown to be more effective than psychiatric therapy, pharmacologic therapy, and other interventions in depressed older patients.
What herbal remedy has clinically proven evidence of treating anxiety disorders when used for the short term (less than 24 weeks)?
There is a significant body of evidence from randomized, controlled trials and various meta-analyses showing benefit from the use of kava in the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders (up to 24 weeks), including generalized anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms of withdrawal from venalfaxine (Effexor) if stopped abruptly?
The abrupt discontinuation of venlafaxine, or a reduction in dosage, is associated with withdrawal symptoms much more severe than those seen with other SSRIs such as fluoxetine. These symptoms include agitation, anorexia, confusion, impaired coordination, seizures, sweating, tremor, and vomiting.
What cardiac rhythm disorder is associated with anorexia nervosa?
Sinus bradycardia is almost universally present
How is acute stress disorder differentiated from PTSD?
PTSD has a duration of >1 month
What medications are indicated for treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder?
Lithium and valproate/divalproex (Depakote). An SSRI or bupropion can be added to these mood stabilizers do not resolve the depression.
What therapies have been shown to be helpful for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Both cognitive-behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy have been shown to improve fatigue levels, anxiety, work/social adjustment, and postexertional malaise.
Who is most likely to have somatic complaints associated with depression?
Somatic complaints are seen in up to two-thirds of primary care patients with depression, and are more likely in certain groups, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and low-income groups.
What is the most effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
CBT
