Psychiatry Flashcards
What are the three core symptoms of depression?
Low mood
Anhedonia
Fatigue
At least two of the above must have been present for at least 2 weeks
What are the additional symptoms of depression?
Sleep disturbance Change in appetite Low libido Poor concentration Low-self image Poor perception of the future Hopelessness / Worthlessness / Guilt Suicidality
How is the severity of depression classified?
Mild = 4 symptoms (at least 2 core + 2 more) Moderate = 5-6 symptoms (2 core + 3-4 more) Severe = 7+ symptoms
What is dysthymia?
Chronic mild depression which doesn’t meet criteria for depressive episodes or recurrent depression
What type of delusion is most common in depression?
Nihilistic delusion
e.g. insides rotting, being eaten by insects/parasites
What investigations should be done in suspected depression?
HR, BP, BMI FBC, U&E, LFT TFT HbA1c ECG
What is the treatment algorithm for depression?
Mild: wait 2w and see, self-help therapies,
Moderate: CBT + counselling
Med-sev: SSRI + CBT
ECT gold standard in severe refractory depression - suicidal / catatonic patients who have not responded to any other therapies
What are the side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants?
Lower seizure threshold
Prolonged QTc - ^ risk polymorphic VT (TdP)
Anticholinergic: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, retention, confusion, cognitive problems
Anti-adrenergic: postural hypotension, sexual dysfunction, tachycardia
What is the only SSRI licensed for under 18s?
Fluoxetine
What are the common side effects of SSRIs?
Dry mouth Headaches Nausea / dizziness GI upset Fatigue Sexual dysfunction Anxiety/restlessness
What are the withdrawal symptoms of SSRIs?
Agitation Nausea / dizziness / vomiting Anxiety Fatigue Flu-like symptoms Tremors and muscle spasms Insomnia
Which SSRI is first line in adult depression and anxiety?
Sertraline
Which SSRI is most associated with QTc prolongation?
Citalopram, escitalopram
What is the best antidepressant for people taking warfarin?
Mirtazapine
What is the main side effectsof mirtazapine?
Weight gain and increased cholesterol level
Can also be quite sedating
Agranulocytosis quoted in BNF but ? frequency
What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Hyperthermia, hypertension, hyper-reflexia Tachycardia, Sweating Tremor, agitation, irritability Pupil dilation, diarrhoea Myoclonus Rigidity
How do you treat serotonin syndrome?
Diazepam
Cyproheptadine in severe symptoms (serotonin antagonist)
Over how long should you taper antidepressants before stopping/changing?
Minimum 4 weeks
How long should you have antidepressant therapy for?
Ideally 12 months after feeling well to reduce risk of relapse
What questionnaire is used to determine the severity of anxiety?
GAD-7
What is the management available for anxiety?
Watchful waiting, lifestyle advice, self-help
Symptomatic treatment: propranolol
1st line definitive treatment: SSRI
2nd line: Benzodiazepine e.g. diazepam
What is the management for panic disorder?
SSRIs + CBT most effective
Benzodiazepines can be considered if the above are not effective
What are the core principles of CBT?
To understand problems
To reframe underlying beliefs driving the problem
Challenge irrational thoughts, core beliefs and thereby behaviour to be more positive and productive
Tailored to individual and problem
What do CBT courses usually entail?
12 sessions, weekly-fortnightly
Hour-long and can be F2F or over telephone/online
Involves homework between sessions for reflection
What is the difference between baby blues and post-natal depression?
Baby blues usually around 4d post-labour but PND usually after about 8-12w
Symptoms less severe in baby blues - tearfulness, irritability and restlessness
No treatment indicated for BB, just watchful waiting
How can you screen for post-natal depression?
Edinburgh PND scale
How is post-natal depression managed?
CBT and lifestyle advice
SSRIs
Admission to mother and baby unit if severe
What is postpartum psychosis?
Peak onset day 3-7 postpartum
Initially: irritable, poor sleep, fleeting anger, purposeless activity (similar to baby blues)
Quickly descends into florrid psychosis/ delusions/ hallucinations - often centred around baby
PSYCH EMERGENCY- need assessment within 4 hours and supervision
What are risk factors for postpartum psychosis?
Previous episodes
Bipolar disorder
-> if both present, 40% risk in subsequent pregnancies
How is postpartum psychosis managed?
Antipsychotic medication
What is the first line antidepressant in pregnancy?
Sertraline
What are the main risks of antipsychotics in pregnancy?
GDM / metabolic disturbance with olanzapine/quetiapine due to ^ cholesterol and glucose
Poor neonatal adaption syndorme
Agranulocytosis and seizures with clozapine
What congenital malformation is associated with lithium in pregnancy?
Ebstein’s cardiac abnormality
What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
0.4-1.0
What is the gold-standard mood stabiliser?
Lithium