Psychiatric Disorders

Question 1

Treatment of delirium tremens due to alcohol withdrawal

Answer 1

Benzodiazepines

Question 2

Treatments for alcoholism

Answer 2

1. Disulfiram (to condition the pt to abstain from alcohol use)
2. Acamprosate
3. Naltrexone

Question 3

When do the symptoms of delirium tremens peak?

Answer 3

2-4 days after last drink

Question 4

Delirium tremens is characterized by…

Answer 4

Autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., tachycardia, tremors, anxiety, seizures).

Question 5

In which pts does delirium tremens classically occur?

Answer 5

Classically occurs in hospital setting (e.g., 2-4 days postsurgery) in alcoholics not able to drink as inpatients.

Question 6

Alcoholic hallucinosis is distinct from…and is characterized by…

Answer 6

Delirium tremens; visual hallucinations 12-48 hrs after last drink

Question 7

Treatment of alcoholic hallucinosis

Answer 7

Long-acting benzodiazepines

Question 8

Give two examples of long-acting benzodiazepines

Answer 8

1. Chlordiazepoxide

2. Diazepam

Question 9

Wernicke encephalopathy presents with a triad of…

Answer 9

1. Confusion
2. Ophthalmoplegia
3. Ataxia

Question 10

Wernicke encephalopathy due to vitamin B1 deficiency may progress to…, a condition characterized by…

Answer 10

Korsakoff pyschosis; irreversible memory loss, confabulation, and personality change

Question 11

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is associated with which histopathologic findings?

Answer 11

Periventricular hemorrhage/necrosis of the mammillary bodies

Question 12

Treatment for Wernicke encephalopathy

Answer 12

IV vitamin B1