Psychiatry Flashcards
What is schizophrenia?
Psychiatric condition characterised by disturbed thoughts, perception, mood and personality. There are positive and negative symptoms. The higher number of positive symptoms the more severe/poorer prognosis there is.
Positive symptoms are: delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thoughts/speech
Negative symptoms: decreased motivation, poor self care, social withdrawal
Risk factors for schizophrenia?
FH Premature birth Abnormal early development Social isolation Abnormal/disruptive family upbringing Drug use (e.g. cannabis)
What are the first rank symptoms of schizophrenia?
Auditory hallucinations, Thought broadcast Thought withdrawal Thought insertion Delusional perception and of control
How long do symptoms need to be present to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia?
For at least one month
How is a diagnosis made for Schizophrenia?
Based on clinical presentation + CT (to rule out pathological causes such as masses)
+ toxicology screen
Management of Psychosis?
1st line - Olanzapine, Risperidone and Clozapine are now first line (due to lower risk of extrapyrimdal symptoms)
2nd line (for medications)- Chlorpromazine (& other 1st gen)
+
CBT
3rd line - Clozapine
Treatment resistant schizophrenia may receive ECT
What are poor prognostic factors in schizophrenia?
FH of schizophrenia History of substance use Young age of onset Male gender Insidious (chronic) onset No recognised precipitant Chaotic/toxic home relationships/environment Poor employment record
What are good prognostic factors for schizophrenia?
Older age Acute onset Recognisable precipitant Stable and nurturing relationships/home environment FH of mood disorders
What is OCD?
An anxiety disorder characterised with obsessional thoughts and or compulsive acts.
Occurs most commonly in late adolescence/early 20s – can happen at any age though
Linked to inadequate serotonin regulation
How does it present?
Obsessions are thoughts/images that are: recurrent, persistent/intrusive, occurring against persons will, recognised as a product of ones own mind, if resisted – causes anxiety
Diagnosis of OCD?
Symptoms must be present on most days for at least 2 weeks to be diagnosed as OCD
Management of OCD?
First line – CBT or psychological therapies
2nd line – SSRI (Sertraline)
What does Section 5 (2) of the MHA refer to?
is the EDC – allows medical professionals to detain patient in hospital for up to 72 hours where they must be assessed by a senior psychiatrist or consultant
What does section 2 of the MHA refer to?
This is the equivalent of a STDC in Scotland – will detain a patient in hospital for up to 28 days to allow for full assessment and initiation of treatment
What is PTSD?
A condition that develops following a stressful/traumatic experience and typically seen in patients who were in armed forces, endured natural disasters/violent assault/sexual assault
Symptoms of PTSD?
Re-experiencing/flashbacks to the event, nightmares, intrusive memories
Avoidance: so avoiding place the event happened/situations similar
Hypervigilance, sleep problems, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feeling detached
Must be present for 1 month
Diagnosis of PTSD?
Clinical diagnosis. NICE guidance suggests PTSD can be mild, moderate or severe
Management of PTSD?
CBT or EMDR (eye movement desensitisation - not combat related Mx…)
Pharmacological – SSRI or venlafaxine