Psychiatry Flashcards
Which drugs can be used for augmentation if SSRI/SNRI was ineffective?
Atypical antipsychotic (e.g. quetiapine)
Lithium
Thyroxine
Buspirone
What guides the prescription of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for patients with Alzheimer’s dementia?
MMSE 10-20 (moderately severe)
What is the optimum dose of venlfaxine recommended for GAD?
75 mg
By what age does autism start to impair function/manifest as abnormal development?
3 years
Outline the risks of SSRIs in pregnancy.
1st trimester: congenital heart defects
3rd trimester: persistent pulmonary hypertension
Paroxetine has an increased risk of congenital malformations, particularly in the 1st trimester
Sertraline, fluoxetine and citalopram are generally considered safe
Which agent is often used for rapid tranquillisation of an agitated patient?
1st = IM Lorazepam 2nd = IM haloperidol 3rd = promethazine (sedating antihistamine)
How long do high-intensity psychological interventions go on for?
16-20 sessions over 3-4 months
What proportion of patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa will make a full recovery?
20%
Name a tool used to assess the severity of alcohol withdrawal.
Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar)
What is a particularly important aspect of the management of depression in the elderly?
Problem-solving
Increased socialisation and day-time activities
cbt, psychodynamic therapy, group therapy
ssris - citalopram
How long do low-intensity psychosocial interventions go on for?
Roughly 9-12 weeks with follow-up
Describe how you should switch from citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline or paroxetine to another SSRI.
First should be withdrawn before the alternative is started
How long do symptoms of depression need to be present to be diagnostic?
2 weeks
How is the MMSE score interpreted?
24 or more = normal
18-23 = mild
10-17 = moderate
< 9 = severe
NOTE: raw score should be corrected based on educational attainment and age
Outline the behavioural management approach for delirium.
Frequent reorientation (clocks, calendars)
Good lighting
Address sensory problems (e.g. hearing aids)
Minimise change (don’t keep moving the patient, one staff member per shift, establish routine)
Allow safe and supervised wandering
How should delirium tremens be managed?
1st = oral lorazepam
alternative chlordiazepoxide
IV thiamine
NOTE: lorazepam may be used in hepatic failure
How are conversion disorders managed?
Encourage a return to normal activities and avoid reinforcing symptoms
Provide support for addressing stressors
cbt and psychotherapy
What are some medical management options for preventing relapse in alcohol abuse?
Acamprosate (anti-craving)
Disulfiram - aversion therapy –> unpleasant sensation in response to alcohol
for up to 6 months
What is the FAST screening tool?
Consists of a subset of questions from AUDIT
A score of 3 or more is FAST positive
Which service should be involved in the care of a young person with first episode psychosis?
Early intervention service (EIS)
What is a major side-effect of chlorpromazine?
Skin photosensitivity (requires sunscreen)
What is treatment resistance schizophrenia?
Failure to respond to two or more antipsychotics, at least one of which is atypical, each given at a therapeutic dose for at least 6 weeks
State the duration of the following types of section. 2 3 4 5(2) 5(4) 35 37 135 136
2 - 28 days 3 - 6 months 4 - 72 hours 5(2) - 72 hours 5(4) - 6 hours 35 - 28 days 37 - 6 months 135 - 24 hours (up to 36) 136 - 24 hours (up to 36)
Which SSRI has a long half-life?
Fluoxetine
Define somatisation disorder.
• The main features are multiple, recurrent and frequently changing physical symptoms of at least 2 YEARS duration.
NOTE: if it has been going on for < 2 years, it is an undifferentiated somatoform disorder
What are the components of an AMTS?
How old are you?
What is the time to the nearest hour?
Give an address and ask them to recall it at the end
What is the year?
What is the name of the hospital or place you are currently at?
Can you recognise two people (doctor and nurse)?
What is your date of birth (day and month)?
In which year did WW2 begin?
Name the current prime minister.
Count backwards from 20 to 1
What is the first-line SSRI used for generalised anxiety disorder?
Sertraline
Paroxetine is the only licensed SSRI for GAD
List some transcultural psychiatric disorders.
Amox - Malaysia - frenzied killing spree
Koro - Asian - fear of penis disappearing
Piblokto - Inuits - sudden-onset hysteria (screaming)
Dhat - Indian - semen lost in urine
Latah - North Africa/Far East - exaggerated startle, echolalia or obeying commands, amnesia
Susto - South America - severe depressive episode after a traumatic event (often accompanied by diarrhoea and tics)
Windigo - North America - body is possessed by spirit that craves human flesh
List some physical/pharmacological treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil (viagra) = phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor Intracavernosal prostaglandin self-injection before intercourse Vacuum pumps (plastic dome and pump placed over the penis creating a vacuum to produce an erection. maintained by slipping a tight ring around the base of the penis)
How long do symptoms of PTSD have to last to be diagnostic?
> 1 month
Which benzodiazepine has the shortest half-life and what are the clinical implications?
Lorazepam - leads to worse withdrawal symptoms
Patients withdrawing may be switched from lorazepam to diazepam
Which medication can be used to prevent relapse in patients with opiate misuse?
Naltrexone
Which SSRI would be best to use in anorexia nervosa?
Fluoxetine (stable in terms of weight)
NOTE: you don’t want to give these patients anything that will make them gain weight too rapidly
Which tools are used to distinguish dementia from delirium?
Long Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Observational Scale of Level of Arousal (OSLA)
Which medications can be used for alcohol detoxification?
Chlordiazepoxide
Diazepam
NOTE: lorazepam can be used in cases of liver failure
What are the treatment approaches for emotionally unstable personality disorder?
Dialectical behavioural therapy Mentalisation-based therapy Therapeutic communities Arts therapy Transference focused therapy
Which social aspects of a patient with schizophrenia require management?
Social skill training Education, training and employment Skills (e.g. cooking, budgeting) Housing Accessing social activities Developing personal skills (e.g. creative writing)
List some triggers for lithium toxicity.
Salt balance changes (e.g. dehydration, D&V)
Drugs interfering with lithium excretion (e.g. diuretics)
Accidental or deliberate overdose
What is the Young Mania Rating Scale?
Uses 11 questions with a total score of 60
Scores
Outline the aspects of managing autism spectrum disorder.
Support and advice for families (National Autistic Society)
Behaviour therapy - applied behavioural analysis for young children
Speech and language therapy
Special education
need for education health and care (EHC) plan assessment with nursery, school, gp
Treat comorbid problems (e.g. epilepsy)
Antipsychotics and mood stabilisers are occasionally used
List some side-effects of clozapine.
- Agranulocytosis, neutropaenia
- Reduced seizure threshold
- Constipation
- Myocarditis (baseline ECG should be taken before starting treatment)
- Hypersalivation
List the side-effects of SNRIs.
Constipation
Hypertension
Raised cholesterol
They also have all the SSRI side-effects
If a patient with postnatal depression required admission, where should she be admitted?
Mother and Baby Unit
Which investigations/further management should a GP recommend for a patient with suspected Alzheimer’s disease?
- history
- collateral history
- Physical examination
- Blood tests - to exclude reversible causes of cognitive decline: FBC, U&Es, glucose, CRP, urine dip, TFTs, LFTs
- Cognitive testing
- Refer to old age psychiatry outpatient clinic (memory clinic)
How should benzodiazepines be withdrawn?
how long will it take
what warning do u give them
Reduce by 1/8 of the dose every fortnight
consider switching patients to equivalent dose of diazepam
may take 3 months to a year
do not drive if feeling drowsy
List some symptoms of refeeding syndrome.
Weakness Fatigue confusion hypertension Arrhythmia Seizure Cardiac failure
Rhabdomyolysis Leucocyte dysfunction Respiratory failure peripheral oedema Coma
This phenomenon usually occurs within four days of starting to feed again.
Which receptors are blocked by typical and atypical antipsychotics?
Typical = dopamine (D2) Atypical = dopamine and 5HT2
What is overshadowing?
When a patient’s presenting symptoms are assumed to be due to an underlying learning disability rather than another, potentially treatable cause
Which forms of psychological therapy may be useful in schizophrenia?
CBT (for all patients)
Family therapy (effects of high expressed emotions can be improved through communication sills, education about schizophrenia, problem solving and helping patients expand their social network)
Concordance therapy = collaborative approach where the pt is encouraged to consider the pros and cons of the mx
Describe the features of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
insomnia irritability anxiety tremor loss of appetite tinnitus excessive sweating seizures perception disturbance
How long do features of conduct disorder need to occur to be diagnostic?
6 months
How long does postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis usually take to recover?
Depression: 1 month
Psychosis: 6-12 weeks
What counts as a ‘brief intervention’ for alcohol dependence?
5-10 mins of information
2-3 sessions of motivational interviewing
What are the aspects of management of learning disabilities?
- Treat physical and psychiatric comorbidity
- Statement of Special Educational Needs (maximise potential)
- Psychological therapy (group therapy, counselling)
- behavioural therapy: avoid triggers, reinforce positive behaviours, prevent reinforcing negative behaviours, help people to understand the consequences of their actions
What is the oestrogen hypothesis?
Potential explanation for why women respond better to TYPICAL antipsychotics (like haloperidol)
Describe the features of amphetamine withdrawal.
Dysphoric mood
Fatigue
Agitation
What criteria need to be fulfilled to be able to discharge a patient with puerperal psychosis?
Developed some insight into the nature of the illness and is adherent with medication
No longer a risk to herself or the baby
Outline the interpretation of the HAD.
7 questions for anxiety and 7 for depression (maximum 21 points for each)
Normal: 0-7
Borderline: 8-10
Anxiety/Depression: 11-14
What counts as mild, moderate and severe depression?
Mild
• 2 or 3 core symptoms
• At least 2 other symptoms
• The patient is distressed about the symptoms but can still continue with most activities
Moderate
• 2 or 3 core symptoms
• At least 3 other symptoms
• The patient has considerable difficulty continuing with ordinary activities and social functioning
Severe
• All 3 core symptoms
• At least 4 other symptoms, some of which are intense
• Major impact on quality of life and social functioning
• May show distress and/or agitation
NOTE: All symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks
How should depression in BPAD be managed?
Antidepressant + mood stabiliser OR antipsychotic
e.g fluoxetine and onlazapine
2nd line - lamotrigine
Risk of precipitating mania
What are the features of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and how long after the last drink will it occur?
4-12 hours after the last drink Coarse tremor Sweating Insomnia Tachycardia Nausea and vomiting Psychomotor agitation Generalised anxiety
Where can detoxification for alcohol be given?
Inpatient detox
Community detox
What are the risks of using benzodiazepines in pregnancy?
1st trimester exposure is associated with cleft palette
Outline how a score from AUDIT is interpreted.
20+ = possible dependence 16-19 = high risk 8-15 = moderate risk 0-7 = low risk
Max = 40
What are the aspects of management of medically unexplained symptoms?
- Reattribution model = ensure they feel understood, broaden the agenda from a physical and psychological cause, make a link bt sx and psychological factors
- Avoid over-investigating = reinforces physical illness beliefs and increases anxiety
- Emotional support = encourage pt to discuss emotional difficulties. support them in dealing w stress
- encourage normal function = patients may avoid normal activities bcos they think it will exacerbate problems
- Antidepressants = may be useful even w/o depression (e.g tension headache, IBS)
- Treat comorbid illness = esp anxiety or depression
- CBT
- Graded exercise = helpful in CFS and fibromyalgia
What is the difference between Fregoli and Capgras syndromes?
Fregoli: delusion that a persecutor is able to change into many forms and disguise themselves to look like different people
Capgras: delusional belief that a close acquaintance has been replaced by an identical double
Which psychological therapies are available for patients with dementia?
Group cognitive stimulation therapy (memory training and re-learning)
Group reminiscence therapy
Validation therapy (reassure and validate the emotion behind what is said)
Multisensory therapy
What are the stages of change model?
Pre-contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance Relapse
What are some psychological therapy options for alcohol abuse?
CBT
Problem-solving therapies
Group therapy (alcoholics anonymous)
Which mood stabiliser is considered safest to use in pregnancy?
Lamotrigine
Lithium –> Ebstein anomaly
Valproate and Carbamazepine –> NTD
Which SSRIs are associated with a dose-dependent increase in QTc?
Citalopram
Escitalopram
Which SSRIs have a high propensity for drug interactions?
Fluoxetine and paroxetine
What is an IMHA?
Independent Mental Health Advocate
Advocate who helps the patient find out their rights under the MHA and provide support whilst detained
NOTE: patients on section 4, 5, 135 and 136 cannot have an IMHA
Which agents may be used as substitutes in opiate misuse?
Methadone (liquid, full agonist) or buprenorphine (sublingual tablet, partial agonist)
NOTE: these are taken in a supervised environment
Buprenorphine causes less sedation so allows patients to work better, but taking heroin with buprenorphine is dangerous so it’s preferred for patients with mild/moderate dependence
What is the antidepressant of choice to treat the depressive phase of BPAD?
Fluoxetine
List some indications for ECT.
Catatonia
Prolonged or severe manic episode
Severe depression that is life-threatening
Which treatment option is best for children with eating disorders?
Family therapy (eating disorder-focused)
Which features distinguish personality disorders from personality traits?
Pervasive: occurs in all/most areas of life
Persistent: evident in adolescence and continues through adulthood
Pathological: causes distress to self or others, impairs function
List some clinical signs of anorexia nervosa.
Constipation
Bradycardia
Hypothermia
Sensitivity to the cold
What are two psychological therapies that are used to treat PTSD?
Trauma Focused CBT
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing)
Describe how you would switch from fluoxetine to venlfaxine.
Withdraw then start venlafaxine at 37.5 mg OD and increase very slowly
What is the most common cause of maternal death during pregnancy and the 1st year postpartum?
Suicide
NOTE: within 6 weeks postpartum it is VTE
Describe the features of benzodiazepine use.
Loss of coordination Slurred speech Decreased attention and memory Disinhibition Aggression Hypotension Respiratory depression
How is tardive dyskinesia treated?
Tetrabenzene
What is the main pharmacological treatment option for patients with dementia?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine)
How is schizoaffective disorder treated?
Same treatment as schizophrenia
You may add a mood stabiliser or antidepressant for the affective component
How long do symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder have to last in order to be diagnostic?
6 months
Which high-intensity psychological therapies may be offered to patients with moderate-to-severe depression?
Individual CBT
Interpersonal Therapy
List some complications of bulimia nervosa.
Hypokalaemia Dehydration Enlargement of parotid glands Dental caries Mallory-Weiss tears Osteoporosis Russell's sign
Which antipsychotics are particularly associated with weight gain?
Olanzapine and clozapine
Who should be offered group CBT?
Individuals with mild-to-moderate depression who decline low intensity psychological therapies
What are the main risks of using antipsychotics in the elderly?
Stroke and VTE
Why should antipsychotics be avoided in Lewy Body dementia?
They precipitate parkinsonism
How is Asperger’s syndrome managed?
Advice and support - discuss EHC plan
Social skills training
Which pre-existing conditions can be worsened by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Peptic ulcer disease
COPD
Asthma
Cardiac arrhythmias
Describe the features of amphetamine intoxication.
Euphoria Insomnia Agitation Hallucination Hypertension Tachycardia
List some features that suggest the patient is at high risk of attempting suicide again.
Careful planning
Final acts in anticipation of death (e.g. writing wills)
Isolation at the time of the act
Precautions taken to prevent discovery (e.g. locking doors)
Writing a suicide note
Definite intent to die
Believing the method to be lethal (even if it wasn’t)
Violent method (e.g. shooting, hanging, jumping in front of a train)
Ongoing wish to die/regret that the attempt failed
How often should a patient with newly diagnosed depression be followed-up after starting an antidepressant?
Review after 2 weeks (if no particular risk of suicide), then every 2-4 weeks thereafter for 3 months
What criteria must be fulfilled for a diagnosis of chronic insomnia?
Diagnosed if a person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least 3 nights per week for 3 months
How does the pattern of BPAD change with age?
Remissions become shorter and depressive episodes become more frequent
How is depression in children managed?
CBT
Antidepressants (fluoxetine) may be used in severe cases
List some discontinuation symptoms of SSRIs.
Flu-like symptoms
Electric shock sensations
Headaches
Vertigo
When is section 48 used?
For the transfer of an unsentenced prisoner to hospital for detention
Section 49 is a restriction order that can be applied by the Ministry of Justice
What is considered treatment resistance depression?
Failure to respond to 2 adequate trials of different classes of antidepressants at adequate doses and for a period of 6-8 weeks
What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
0.6-1.0 mmol/L
Becomes toxic > 1.2 mmol/L
Over what period of time should antidepressants be stopped?
4 weeks
Not necessary with fluoxetine due to the long half life
According to DSM-V, how long do psychotic symptoms in schizoaffective disorder need to last to be diagnostic?
Psychosis must be sustained for > 2 weeks without affective symptoms
Requires 2 episodes of psychosis to qualify: 1 without affective symptoms, 1 with affective symptoms
Under what conditions can activated charcoal be used for drug overdoses?
Oral drugs
Within 1 hour of consumption
• Decreases intestinal absorption of some substances
How can normal pressure hydrocephalus be treated?
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
What should be done if a clozapine dose is missed for > 48 hours?
The dose should be carefully retitrated up (as if starting therapy from scratch)
What is applied relaxation therapy?
Used for anxiety disorders
Teaches patients how to spot the signs of tension, relax their muscles to relieve tension and apply these techniques to stressful situations
12-15 weekly sessions
What is the main aim of CBT in schizophrenia?
Emphasis on reality testing
Encourage the patient to think about evidence and alternative explanations
What needs to be monitored after a patient is started on lithium and how regularly should this happen?
Lithium levels - at 1 week after starting, then weekly until therapeutic level is reached. Then every 3 months (12 hours post dose).
U&E - every 3 months
TFTs - every 6 months
Creatinine clearance - annually