Psychiatry Flashcards
All deaths that occur while the patient is detained under the mental health act must be reported to the coroner regardless of mechanism of death - true or false?
True
What is section 4 of the mental health act?
Section 4 needs 1x doctor + 1 approved mental health professional / nearest relative without the opinion of a 2nd doctor. It provides a 72 hour window to bring the pt into hospital against their wishes for further assessment. YOU CANNOT GIVE TREATMENT AGAINST PATIENT WISHES UNDER A SECTION 4.
What is section 2 of the mental health act?
Section 2 allows you to detain and give treatment against a patient’s wishes for upto 28 days. Needs 2x doctors + an approved mental health professional / nearest relative. CANNOT BE RENEWED BUT PT CAN BE CONSIDERED FOR A SECTION 3 DURING THIS TIME IF NEED BE.
What is section 3 of the mental health act?
Section 3 allows you to detain and give treatment against a pt wishes for upto 6 months. Can be renewed for a further 6 months twice then in 12 month periods. Needs 2x doctors + a AMHP/NR.
What are the criteria to be eligible to sectioned?
- Must be a danger to yourself or others
- You need to be in hospital in order to receive the treatment you need
- The treatment you need is available
- You have a mental health disorder (being under the influence of drugs or alcohol doesn’t count!)
- You won’t voluntarily accept the admission
What is section 5 (2) of the mental health act?
Allows a single doctor to detain a patient already voluntarily an inpatient in hospital for 72 hours. A recommendation on why detainment is necessary should be submitted to hospital management.
What is section 5 (4) of the mental health act?
Allows a single nurse qualified in mental health / learning disabilities to detain a patient already voluntarily an inpatient in hospital for 6 hours until further assessment can be made.
What are the key factors associated with increased risk of suicide?
Male gender History of deliberate self harm Co-existent drug or alcohol abuse History of co-existent mental health disorder (schizophrenia carries upto a 10% risk of successful suicide) History of chronic illness Increasing age Unemployment Social isolation
True or false - mirtazapine is most sedative at lower doses than higher doses
True
What is the meaning of capgras syndrome?
a delusional belief where the patient thinks someone close to them has been replacement by an imposter
Which SSRI has the highest associated incidence of SSRI discontinuation syndrome on abruptly stopping?
Paroxetine (presents with sweating, headache and a needle-like sensation in the head)
True or false - tricyclic antidepressents such as amitriptyline can make alzheimer’s / dementia worse
True
What are the 2 presenting types of bipolar disease?
Type I (most common) = mania + depression Type II = hypomania + depression
What is the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disease and when does it typically first present?
Lifetime prevalence = 2%
Typically presents in the late teens
What is the difference between mania and hypomania?
Hypomania = elevated mood without the delusions/hallucinations/psychotic symptoms. May have reduced need for sleep, increased sexual energy etc. Typically lasts for shorter of periods of time as well than manic episodes. Mania = more extremely elevated mood/energy, doesn't have to be associated with psychotic symptoms but when it is typically associated with delusions of grandeur etc. Last for longer periods of time than hypomania.
How does NICE recommend you manage a patient presenting to the GP with mania/hypomania/suspected bipolar disease?
Hypomania - routine referral to community mental health
Mania or severe depression = urgent referral to community mental health
Scoring system to assess depression / anxiety
HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) -> can be used for anxiety and depression
PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9) -> to assess depression
What are the Schneider’s First Rank Symptoms (strongly suggestive of a diagnosis of schizophrenia)?
Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices)
Thought broadcasting
Thought insertion/ withdrawal / interruption
Somatic hallucination
Delusional perception
What is the 1st line drug treatment for moderate to severe depression in under 18s
FLUOXETINE
What is the 1st line drug treatment for adults with moderate depression?
SSRI (fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline)
What is the 2nd line drug treatment for moderate depression in adults?
Alternate SSRI or TCA (Amitriptyline) or SNRI (venlefaxine, duloxetine)
Avoid SNRI or TCA if at higher risk of overdose.
If switching between anti-depressents you should cross-taper (slowly reduce the dose of one while increasing the other)
What are the typical blood tests in anorexia nervosa?
HIGH cholesterol, HIGH growth hormone, HIGH cortisol, HIGH blood glucose, HIGH carotin
LOW FSH +LH
Acute dystonia?
torticollis + oculogyric crisis
What is optimal management of PTSD
If mild + <4 wks - can watch + wait
if not:
1st line = Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
2nd line of above doesn’t work -> drug tx with eg Mirtazapine, Paroxetine (+ phenelzine, unlicensed, specialists only)
A score of what on the mini mental state exam is suggestive of dementia?
Score < 24