Psychiatry Flashcards
What are the concept of neuroses?
- symptoms are understandable and with which one can emphathise
- insight is maintained
- Different to delusions which are not understandable and cannot be emphasised with
- Neuroses are quantitively but not qualitively different from normal
Epidemiology of anxiety, obsessions and stress reactions
- most prodominantly female
- affects up to 10% of all individuals
- comorbidity with depression, substance misuse and personality disorder common
- if individual presents after age 35-40 yrs more likely due to depressive disorder or organic disease
Associated factors of anxiety, obsessions and stress reactions
lower social class, unemployment, divorced, renting rather than owing, no educational qualfications, urban living aetiology
Genetic factors for anxiety, obsessions and stress reactions
Family history often seen, people with high neuroticism scores
Symptoms of anxiety
psychological: fears, worries, poor concentration, irritabiliy, depersonalisation, derealisation, insomnia, night terrors
motor symptoms: restlessness, fidgeting, feeling on edge
Neuromuscular: tremor, tension, headache, muscle ache, dizziness, tiniitus
GI: dry mouth, cant swallow, nausea, indigestion, butterflies, flatulence, frequent or loose motions,
CVS: chest discomfort, palpitations
Respiratory: difficulty inhaling, tight constricted chest
GI: urinary frequency, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhoea
Features of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
ICD-10 criteria
Generalised and persistent ‘free floating’ anxiety symptoms:
- apprehension (worries about future, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating)
- motor tension (restless fidgeting, tension headaches, trembling, inability to relax)
- autonomic overactivity (light-headedness, sweating, tachycardia, epigastric discomfort, dizziness)
Epidemiology of GAD
1.6% suffering from GAD at any one point
very rarely begins after 35
Clinical features of GAD
Depersonalisation, derealisation
Differentials of GAD
- hyperthyroidism (goitre, tremor, tachycardia, weight loss, arrhythmia, exophthalmos)
- substance misuse (intoxication, amphetamines, withdrawal, benzo, alcohol)
- excess caffeine
- depression
- anxious avoidant personality disorder
- early dementia
- early schizophrenia
- phaeochromocytoma (tumour of adrenal glands)
Management of GAD
- Advice and reasurance
- counselling
- self help materials
- CBT
- anxiety management training, relaxation techniques
- Medications: 1st line SSRI or SNRI
- also Busipirone (5HT1A- agonist) short term management
- Beta blockers effective in pts with somatic asthma symptoms (contra-indication in asthma and heart block)
Features of panic disorder
ICD-10 criteria
- recurrent attacks of severe anxiety not restricted to any particular situation or set of circumstances and therefore unpredictable
- secondary fears of dying, losing control, or going mad
- attacks usually last for minutes, often crescendo of fear and autonomic symptoms
- comparative freedom from anxiety symptoms between attacks
Epidemiology of panic disorder
1-2% general population
2-3x more common in females
bimodal: peaks at 20yo and 50yo
agoraphobia occurs in 30-50%
risk of suicide raised when comorbid depression, alcohol misuse or substance misuse
Clinical features of panic disorder
breathing difficulties
chest discomfort
palpitations
tingling or numbness in hands, feet or around mouth
shaking, sweating, dizziness
depresonalisation, derealisation
can lead to fear of situation
conditioned fear of fear pattern develops
Differentials for panic disorder
other anxiety disorders: GAD, agoraphobia
depression
alcohol or drug withdrawal
organic cause: CVS or resp disease
hypoglycaemia, hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma
psychological management of panic disorder
reassurance
CBT 1st line
initial education about nature of panic attacks and fear of fear cycles
cognitive restructuring, detecting flaws in logic
interoceptive exposure techniques
secondary agoraphobic avoidance: treat by situational exposure and anxiety management techniques
Drug management of panic disorder
SSRIs 1st line
clomipramine (tricyclic with similar action to serotonin)
Features of mixed anxiety and depressive disorder
ICD-10 criteria: symptoms of anxiety and depression are both present but neither clearly predominates
treat with counselling, CBT or psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy
SSRIs medication
Features of specific/isolated phobias
icd-10 criteria: restricted to highly specific situations: proximity to certain animals, heights, thunder, flying, blood etc
often clear in early adulthood
result in avoidance
Features of agoraphobia
ICD-10 criteria: fear not only open spaces but also of related aspects such as presence of crowds, difficulty of immediate easy escape back to a safe place
common in 20s or mid 30s
may be gradual or precipitated by a sudden panic attack
comorbid depression common
higher incidence of sexual problems
Differentials of agoraphobia
Depression
Social phobia
OCD
Schizophrenia
Features of social phobia
most common anxiety disorder
ICD-10 criteria: fear of scrutiny by other people in compartively small groups, leading to avoidance of social situations
may be specific (public speaking) or generalised (any social setting)
physical symptoms: blushing, fear of vomiting
Symptoms: blushing, palpitations, trembling, sweating
can be precipitated by stressful or humiliating siutations: death of parent, seperation, chronic stress
Differentials for phobias
Shyness
agoraphobia
anxious personality disorder
poor social skills/autistic spectrum disorder
benign essential tremor
Investigations of phobias
history and exam
rating scales of anxiety
social and occupational assessments for effect on quality of life
Collateral hx
Management of phobias
Behavioural therapy is treatment of choice
Exposure techniques: flooding, modelling
Agoraphobia and panic disorders: CBT
Social phobia: CBT
Drug management:
- SSRIs and MAOIs (phenelzine) most useful in agoraphobia and social phobia
- tricyclics best for those with depressive component
- Benzodiazepines can be used before a phobic situation
B-blockers useful if somatic symptoms present
A 25 year old student presents to the GP complaining of palpitations. He describes them as his heart suddenly beating very fast and sometimes it feels like it skips a beat. When this happens he also feels dizzy, as though he may faint, but never has. They have occurred on occasion during exercise. He tells you they are very worrying and he feels ‘on edge all the time’.
He has no past medical history and there is no relevant family history. He smokes 5 cigarettes a day, occasionally uses marijuana and admits to drinking in excess on weekends because of ‘student life’.
examination, his observations and a cardiovascular examination are normal.
What is the most important next step management?
Refer for 48-hr holter monitor ECG
Generally all pts who present with new onset of palpitations with no clear cause should be referred for further investigation.
1st line is 24 or 48 hr holter monitor ECG.
A 49 year old woman presents to her GP with a 9 month history of nervousness. She feels generally tense and worried most of the time, experiencing palpitations, muscular tension, and fears of something bad happening to her on a daily basis. She is able to continue with her usual activities and this is the first time she has sought help. What is the most appropriate intervention?
psychoeducation and active monitoring
Nice suggests that treatment for GAD is a step approach. Step 1 is to provide education on this condition and its treatment options as well as active monitoring.
Diagnostic criteria for depression
DSM-5
1. depressed mood or irritable most of the day (nearly every day, feels sad or empty, appears tearful)
2. decreased interest or pleasure (anhedonia)
3. significant weight change (5)% or change in appetite
4. change in sleep
5. change in activity
6. fatigue
7. guilt/worthlessness
8. concentration
9. suicidality
if 5 of these are present, for nearly every day for 2 weeks or longer then a diagnosis of depression can be made
Risk factors for depression
female gender
past hx of depression
significant physical illness
other mental health problems
social issues (divorce, unemployment, poverty)
Investigations for depression
history and screening questions
further tests may be required: thyroid function tests, FBC, metabolic panel, brain imaging
Organic differentials for depression
- neurological: Parkinson’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis
- endocrine disorder: thyroid dysfunction, hypo/hyperadreanlism (cushing’s and addison’s disease)
- drugs (steroids, isotretinoin, alcohol, beta blockers, benzodiazepines, methyldopa
-chronic conditions: diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea - neoplasms and cancers
psychiatric differentials of depression
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
dementia
seasonal affective disorder
bereavement
anxiety
initial management of depression
1st line - low intensity psychological interventions or group based CBT
then move onto either pharmacological therapy or high intensity psychological intervention such as CBT or interpersonal therapy
pharmacological therapy should start with an SSRI such as sertraline
Severe depression, lithium can be augumented (after trying therapy and medication together)
Electroconvulsive therapy is recommended by nice for severe depressive episodes that are life threatening or require rapid response
Depression in children
CAHMs
full assessment
psychological therapy 1st line
Fluoxetine 1st line antidepressant in children followed by sertralin and citalopram
What is a delusion of guilt?
characterised by belief that one deserves to be punished. Usually the sin is an innocent error out of proportion to the guilt felt. Typically associated with severe depression.
What is a delusion of persecution
paranoid delusions. patients believed they are being followed, spied on or conspired against. Classically seen in schizophrenia.
What is delusion of grandeur?
Characterised by exaggerated beliefs about one’s self worth, power or identity for example believing one is a king or queen. Classically associated with mania.
What is delusion of thought posession?
false beliefs surrounding ownership of your own thoughts. Subdivided into insertion, withdrawal and broadcasting. Classically seen in schizophrenia.
What is cotard’s syndrome?
rare syndrome seen in severe depression, where the patient believes they are dead, decaying or do not really exist.
A 50 year old man attends the GP for a mental health review. He was diagnosed with moderate depression two months ago after losing his job and has been taking Sertraline since then. He tells you he feels much better now, he is eating and sleeping well, and that he is finally ready to stop taking medication. He no longer has thoughts of self-harm, and he has started looking for work. You concur that his mood is much improved in clinic today.
What is the most appropriate advice to give regarding cessation of treatment?
To continue sertraline for a further six months
NICE recomends antidepressants should be continues for at least six months AFTER the patient recovers to reduce the risk of relapse.
What is phaeochromocytoma?
A catecholamine secreting tumour that arises in the adrenal medulla.
What are the symptoms of an phaeochromocytoma?
episodic hypertension
anxiety
weight loss
fatigue
Palpitations
Sweating
headaches
flushing
pyrexia
dyspnoea
abdominal pain
What are the signs of a phaeochromocytoma?
hypertension
postural hypotension
tremor
hypertensive retinopathy
What are the precipitants of a phaeochromocytoma?
stress
exercise
surgery
straining and various drugs e.g beta blockers
anaesthetic agents and opiates
Investigations for a phaeochromocytoma?
Establish catecholamine excess using tests with adequate sensitivity and specificity
plasma metanephrines followed by urinary metanephrines have best diagnostic accuracy
adrenal imaging should not take place until biochemical diagnosis has been made
Management of a phaeochromocytoma?
Resect the tumour
pre operatively: alpha blockade with phenoxybenzamine is started first followed by consideration of beta blockade to expand blood volume and prevent hypertensive crisis
What does high catecholamine levels do in the body?
High circulating catecholamine levels stimulate alpha receptors on blood vessels and cause vasoconstriction
Why is phenoxybenzamine (a non selective alpha blocker) used in the 1st line management of somebody with phaeochromocytoma?
used prior to surgery to control hypertension and prevent a hypertensive crisis.
A disadvantage to phenoxybenzamine is that is blocks presynaptic alpha-2 receptors enhancing the release of noradrenaline, resulting in reflex tachycardia.
A 65 year old gentleman is diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, he has previously had a history of palpitations, sweating and malignant hypertension.
What is the most likely underlying condition?
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 b
The abdo surgery here points to phaeochromocytoma, which is idiopathic up to 30% but can also be caused due to underlying inherited syndromes such as multiple endocrine neuromas.
A 54 year old female with type 1 diabetes is under investigation in the endocrine clinic as she has been having palpitations, excessive sweating, losing weight and has been receiving treatment for high blood pressure, hay fever, T1DM and is on the oral contraceptive pill. She has a healthy diet and eats a lot of fruit and vegetables.
She is thought to have hyperthyroidism, but her thyroid function tests are normal.
The registrar suspects that she may have a phaeochromocytoma and wishes to investigate her.
What should be discontinued prior to her further investigations?
methyldopa - an antihypertensive drug (pempidene e.g), as it interferes with the catecholamine system and can lead to a spurious result and a failure to correctly diagnose adrenergic tumours.
Stimulants, dopamine agonists and several food stuffs (cocoa) should also be avoided while testing for this condition
In a young person with high BP, sweating, anxiety and maybe a generalised constant headache, what suspicion should you have?
phaeochromocytoma
What is a mental disorder
any disorder or disability of the mind (excluding alcohol and drugs)
What are the principles of the mental health act
minimise restrictions on liberty
public safety
others - pt wellbeing and safety
What’s first line for depression?
SSRI - citalopram, fluxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
Types of SNRI
mirtazapine, venlafaxine, duloxetine
Types of tricyclics
amitriptyline, imipramine, anticholinergic
Types of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
iproniazid, phenelzeine
What’s seasonal affective disorder
recurr annually at same time each year.
Mx: light therapy, SSRI
What’s dysthymic disorder?
lasting >2yrs, subthreshold depressive symptoms.
Mx: SSRI, CBT
What’s postnatal depression?
peak 3-4wk postpartum.
Mx: CBT, SSRI - if breastfeeding, paroxetine /sertraline preferred
What are the different types of bipolar affective disorder?
type 1 - mania + depression
Type 2 - hypomania
+ depression
cyclothymic disorder - recurrent depressive and hypomanic states lasting >2yrs
What is mania (in bipolar affective disorder)
mania >1 week, impaired functioning +/- psychosis.
Irritability/elevated mood, distractibility, inhibition loss, grandiosity, flight of ideas, activity increased, sleep not needed, talkative (pressure of speech)
What is hypomania in bipolar affective disorder
4+ days, doesn’t affect functioning
elevated mood, increased energy, increased talkativeness, poor concentration, mild reckless behaviour, sociability / ovarfamilarity, increased libido, increased confidence, decreased sleep
Management for bipolar
psychosocial - psychotherapy - CBT, interpersonal therapy, social/family/financial support
Medications - mood stabilisers (lithium), sodium valporate (not for women of childbearing age), carbamazepine
antidepressants - SSRIs
antipsychotics - olanzapine, risperidone
emergency - acute mania: quetiapine + lithium +/- benzodiazepines
Dx of anorexia nervosa
SCOFF screening tool
Low body weight BMI <17.5
self induced weight loss: calorie restrictions, vomiting, laxatives, excess exercise
- body image distortion
- endocrine disorders: HPA axis: amenorrhoea, decreased libido, delayed/arrested pubery
- social withdrawal
Complications of anorexia nervosa
oral: dental caries
CVS: hypotension, long QT, arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiomyopathy
Endocrine: hypokalaemia, hyponatreamia, hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, altered TFTs, increased cortisol, increased growth hormone, amenorrhoea, osteoporosis, osteopenia
dermatology: dry scaly skin, brittle hair, fine body hair
haem: anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Management of anorexia nervosa
refer to community based ED service if eating disorder suspected
psychological: CBT, MANTRA, family therapy
- oral multivitamins
- prevent refeeding syndrome by: electrolytes monitoring, thiamine supplements, slow refeeding
Mx: IV electrolyte replacement, monitor bloods and ecg
What is the presentation for PTSD
hyperarousal
emotional numbing
avoidance
reliving situation
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia
delusions, hallucinations, formal thought disorder, thought interference, passivity
‘delusions held firmly think psycho’
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia
A6C
anhedonia, affect blunted, asocial, alogia, attentia deficit, avolition, catatonia
ICD10 group A schizophrenia
delusion perception
3rd person audio hallucination
thought interference
passivity
ICD 10 group b schizophrenia
2nd person audio hallucination
negative symptoms
other delusions
Investigations for schizophrenia
CT/MRI head
bloods(FBC, U+E, LFT)
B12 + folate
Toxicology
Hx + MSE
Atypical antipsychotics
1st line - improves negative symptoms, more tolerable
Quetiapine, aripriprazole, olanzapine, clzapine, risperidone
Side effects of atypical antipsychotics
raised glucose, T2DM, stroke, metabolic syndrome, weight gain
Side effects of clozapine
hypersalivation, agranulocytosis (fever, chills, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension)
Side effects of risperidone
hyperprolactinaemia
What are typical antipsychotics
haloperidol, chlorpromazine, flupentixol (depo for pts that don’t like oral tablets)
Side effects for typical antipsychotics
parkinsonism
akathisia
dystonia
tardive dyskinesia
Side effects for both typical and atypical antipsychotics and what needs monitoring
antimuscarinic (can’t see, can’t pee, can’t shit, can’t spit)
neuroleptic malignant syndrome
prolonged QT
Needs monitoring: FBC, prolactin, U+E, ECG, LFT, Hb1AC
Types of schizophrenia
- paranoid - just positive symptoms
- post-schizophrenic depression: depression with schiz hx in last 12 months
- hebephrenic: thought disorganisation
- catatonic: 1 or more negative symptoms
- simple: no psychotic symptoms, with neg symptoms
- undifferentiated: meet dx criteria but doesn’t fit other types
- residual: neg symptoms lasting one year following psychotic episode
What is the definition for personality disorders?
enduring pattern of behaviour different to expectation of pt’s culture
What are the different clusters of personality disorders?
Cluster A: weird
- paranoid (jealous, suspicious)
- schizoid (reduced emotions, no close friends)
Cluster B: Wild
- EUPD (unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, suicidal, poor anger control)
- Histronic (vain, attention seeking)
- dissocial (deceitful, callous, violent)
Cluster C: worriers
- dependent (low self confidence, needs reassurance and companionship)
- anxious (feels inadequate, social inhibitions, needs to be certain they are liked)
- anankastic (workaholic, perfectionist, stubborn)
What is 1st line management for EUPD?
DBT
ICD 10 criteria for addiction and substance misuse
- acute intoxication
- harmful use
- dependence
- withdrawal symptoms
- psychotic disorder
- amnesia
- residual disorder
Investigations for addiction and substance misuse
MSE, physical exam
bloods,
urine toxicology
CXR, ECG, echo
What is treatment for opioid dependence (detox)?
methadone / buprenorphine/dihydrocodeine