Psychiatry Flashcards
What are the core symptoms for a diagnosis of depression?
what other symptoms can be present
core:
1. low mood
2. anhedonia
3. fatigue
others:
disturbed sleep
poor concentration or indecisiveness
low self confidence
poor or increased appetite
suicidal thoughts or acts
agitation or slowing of movement
guilt or self blame
what is the ICD10 criteria for diagnosis procedure of depression
2 of the core symptoms for at least 2 weeks plus at least 2 additional symptoms
4 total = mild
5-6 = moderate
7+ = severe
what is the DSMV criteria / diagnosis of major depressive disorder
5 or more over a 2 week period (must have one of )
depressed mood
markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all activities*
poor or increased appetite
insomnia or hypersomnia
psychomotor agitation or retardation
fatigue or loss of energy
feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
diminished ability to think or concentrate
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
must impair functioning
what other mood is important to consider in diagnosing depression
any history of mania or hypomania which would change the diagnosis to bipolar mood disorder as opposed to depression
what initial investigations are necessary in someone presenting with depression
ECG
BMI
BP and pulse
FBC, U&E, LFT, TFT HBA1C
what is the advice for continuation of antidepressants after a depressive episode
assess risk of relapse including residual symptoms, previous episodes and severity, length and degree of treatment resistance in this episode
low risk - at least 6-9 months
if any risk factors - at least 1 year after symptoms resolve
high risk - 2 years after symptoms resolve
what is the typical response rate of antidepressants
what change should be made if unsuccessful
about 67% respond
if not better to change class than change drug within class
side effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants
cardio toxic
lower seizure threshold
anticholinergic effects - dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention
anti-adrenergic effects - postural hypotension, tachycardia, sexual dysfunction
antihistamine effects - weight gain, sedation
types of antidepressants and examples
TCAs; amitriptyline, imipramine, nortiptyline
MAOIs; phenelzine, selegeline
SSRIs; sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram
SNRIs; venlafaxine, duloxetine
what is serotonin syndrome?
what are the symptoms
increased or excessive serotonin due to one drug or interactions
results in autonomic dysfunction, abdominal pain, myoclonus, delirium, CV shock, and death
symptoms; hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, hypertension, tachycardia, tremor, agitation, irritability, sweating diarrhoea, dilated pupils
treatment of serotonin syndrome
discontinue causative medication
benzodiazepines
active cooling
if severe serotonin antagonist
SSRIs
side effect profile
is there discontinuation syndrome
pretty safe drugs - not too cardio toxic in overdose
common side effects - GI upset, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia,
can develop discontinuation syndrome of agitation, nausea, and dysphoria
Pros and cons of fluoxetine
Long half life decreases discontinuation syndromes
Initially activating can give motivation
active metabolite can build up - not good in hepatic impairment
Lots of p450 interactions
Initial activation can increase anxiety and insomnia and more likely to induce mania
Escitalopram pros and cons
Few drug drug interactions
More effective than citalopram is acute response
Good in epilepsy
Dose dependent QT prolongation
Nausea headache
Expensive drug
Citalopram pros and cons
Few drug drug interactions
Dose dependent QT prolongation
Can be sedating
GI side effects
Sertraline pros and cons
Short half life lower metabolic build up
Less sedating
Max absorption requires full stomach
Increased number of GI effects
Paroxetine pros and cons
Short half life
Sedating properties good at night
Sedation, weight gain, anticholinergic effects
Likely to cause discontinuation syndrome
Venlafaxine pros and cons
Minimal interactions with almost no p450 activity
Can increase diastolic BP
significant nausea
Can cause bad discontinuation syndrome
Can cause QT prolongation
Sexual side effects
Note also indicated for post menopausal symptoms
Duloxetine pros and cons
Some data to suggest helps physical depression symptoms
Less BP increase than venlafaxine
Inhibits CYP enzymes
What kind of drug is mirtazapine
Pros and cons
Presynaptic alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist increases central noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission
15-30mg daily then increase up to 45 mg
Pros: can be used as a hypnotic at lower doses
Cons: increases cholesterol, sedating, weight gain
What actions do TCAs have
Blocks SERT
blocks NET
5HT2A antagonism - anxiolytic
What’s the difference between secondary and tertiary TCAs
Secondary act primarily on noradrenergic receptors
Generally less severe side effects as tertiary
E.g. nortriptyline
Tertiary act primarily on serotonin receptor
More side effects
E.g. amitriptyline, imipramine
What kind of drugs are MAOIs
When used
Side effects
Bind irreversibly to MAO preventing inactivation of amines such as dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline
Very effective for depression
Side effects: orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, dry mouth, sedation, sexual dysfunction and sleep disturbance
Don’t take with tyramine rich foods
How to switch between MAOI and SSRI or vice versa
Wait two weeks in between because of risk of serotonin syndrome
If fluoxetine wait 5 weeks because of long half life
What is the hierarchy to rule out diagnoses in psychiatry
In order to rule out
- organic
- drug and alcohol related
- psychosis
- mood disorders
- anxiety/ stress related (neuroses)
- personality/behavioural disorders
What is the management for mild generalised anxiety disorder
Watchful waiting
Internet based self help
Lifestyle advice
what drugs can be used as mood stabilisers
what conditions are they used in
atypical antipsychotics
lithium
anticonvulsants
indicated in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and lithium in unipolar depression
when is lithium prescribed
acute mania or hypomania, bipolar prophylaxis, depression prophylaxis
prescribed by brand
takes 1-2 weeks to work
how is lithium monitored
check blood level: 12 hrs after first dose
after 5 days
weekly for first four weeks until stable
then every 3 months
also need urine dip (for protein), TFT, U&E
and calcium every 6 months - signs of lithium toxicity
lithium side effects and signs of toxicity
side effects: GI disturbance, metallic taste, fine tremor, urinary symptoms polydipsia, polyuria (excreted renally)
signs of toxicity:
GI - anorexia, diarrhoea, vomiting
Neuromuscular - twitch, tremor, dizziness, reduced coordination
drowsiness, restlessness, lack of interest
what are the complications, contraindications and interactions of lithium
complications: renal impairment, hypothyroidism, arrhythmias, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, cognitive impairment
contraindications: 1st trimester, breastfeeding, cardiac conditions, significant renal impairment, addisons disease, untreated hypothyroidism
interactions: NSAIDs, SSRI, ACEi, thiazides
important complications and contraindications of sodium valproate
can cause thrombocytopenia –> bruising, leucopenia, jaundice, dark urine
contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, personal or FH of hepatic impairment
when is lamotrigine prescribed? important side effect
type 2 bipolar (hypomania)
Steven johnson rash
what scale is used for post natal depression
Edinburgh post natal depression scale
what is panic disorder
Recurrent panic attacks, that are not consistently associated with a specific situation or object,
and often occurring spontaneously. The panic attacks are not associated with marked exertion or with exposure to dangerous or life-threatening situations.
what features are panic attacks characterised by
discrete episode that starts abruptly with at least 4 symptoms of:
Autonomic arousal
* Palpitations, or accelerated heart rate.
* Sweating.
* Trembling or shaking.
* Dry mouth
Chest and abdomen
* Difficulty breathing.
* Feeling of choking.
* Chest pain or discomfort.
* Nausea or abdominal distress
Brain and mind
* Feeling dizzy, unsteady, faint or light-headed.
* Feelings that objects are unreal (derealisation), or that one’s self is distant or “not really here”
(depersonalisation).
* Fear of losing control, going crazy, or passing out.
* Fear of dying.
General symptoms
* Hot flushes or cold chills.
* Numbness or tingling sensations.
what is generalised anxiety disorder
‘several’ months with prominent tension, worry and feelings of apprehension, about every-day events and problems
what symptoms is GAD characterised by
- autonomic arousal symptoms
- chest and abdomen symptoms
- brain and mind symptoms
- tension symptoms
- other non-specific; difficulty concentrating, irritability, difficulty getting to sleep
how is OCD characterised
either obsessions or compulsions or both present most days for a period of 2 weeks causing functional impairment
Obsessions (thoughts, ideas or images) and compulsions (acts) share the following features,
* They are acknowledged as originating in the mind of the patient, and are not imposed by outside persons or influences (this differentiates it from psychosis)
* They are repetitive and unpleasant (egodystonic), acknowledged as excessive or unreasonable.
* Carrying out the obsessive thought or compulsive act is not in itself pleasurable. (This should be
distinguished from the temporary relief of tension or anxiety).
what are the features post traumatic stress disorder
flashbacks, hyper vigilance, avoidance and associated symptoms of anxiety and distress for one month or more following a traumatic or stressful event
what questionnaires can be used to measure severity of/ progress in anxiety and depression
GAD7 anxiety
PHQ9 depression
how do CBT sessions run
usually 8-12 1 hour sessions with homework to do in between
addresses thoughts, feelings, behaviours
uses interventions and activities to make changes
what to consider with CBT referral
patient needs to be able to engage with sessions and homework
pt expectations important and beliefs about psychotherapy
more pressing issues may need addressing first
wider issues such as alcohol/substances
perinatal mental health conditions
“baby blues”
postnatal depression
postpartum psychosis
pre-exisiting MH condition exacerbated by the perinatal period
baby blues
poorly defined condition present in up to 70% of mothers and characterised by tearfulness, irritability, low mood and restlessness
symptoms peak at 4 days postpartum and should resolve
management is watchful waiting
postnatal depression
- presentation
- management
present in 10% mothers
same diagnostic criteria as depression can be used but need to also consider baby bond, feelings as a mother and specific feelings about self or baby - ask about risk to self or others
most prevalent 8-12 weeks post partum
management includes lifestyle advice, CBT, antidepressants (SSRI) and if severe CMHT or hospital admission preferably a mother and baby unit
postpartum psychosis
- presentation
- management
1 in 1000 mothers
strong genetic component to risk
strong risk if existing bipolar affective disorder or previous psyhchosis
peak onset day 3-7; subtle symptoms at first of irritability, low mood and change in behaviour but quickly progress to severe psychotic symptoms
needs urgent senior input, admission under mental health act and antipsychotic treatment which is mainly effective
what other conditions need to be considered perinatally
bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenic patients should be referred to perinatal team for management relating to medications and risks of relapse
note maternal OCD - obsessive intrusive thoughts in perinatal period
basic rules of psychiatric prescribing in pregnancy
- don’t stop medications suddenly
- plan ahead; high risk period; need alternative management if stopping
- most medications require risk v benefit discussions
- consider reduction or avoidance in first trimester
- low doses but not sub therapeutic
- avoid polypharmacy
- consider personal or family history of medication responses
antidepressants in perinatal period
generally quite safe - not teratogenic
paroxetine - risk of cardiac malformations
venlafaxine - increased risk of miscarriage
sertraline recommended in pregnancy and breast feeding first line
latterly in pregnancy all ADs associated with risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn
antipsychotics in perinatal period
not thought to be teratogenic in themselves but can cause other problems;
- hyperprolactinemia leading to sub fertility
- metabolic disturbance and gestational diabetes
- monitoring required in breastfeeding
- clozapine in breastfeeding can lead to agranulocytosis and seizures in the newborn
- Poor Neonatal Adaption Syndrome (self limiting withdrawal)
sodium valproate in perinatal period
10% risk of significant congenital malformation if taken at conception and first trimester
child bearing age women should NOT be prescribed unless absolutely necessary and only with long term contraception
what SSRIs are indicated for PTSD
sertraline and paroxetine
what is acute stress disorder
PTSD like symptoms but within the 4 weeks immediately following a traumatic event including mental and physical symptoms
features of somatisation disorder
repeated presentation to healthcare with medically unexplained symptoms on a background of extensive and chronic investigations. usually representative of underlying psychology
usually presents less than 40 years and 5:1 female to male
can be associated with childhood abuse/neglect or illness and with parental preoccupation with illness
can be linked to EUPD and depressive disorders
features of hypochondriasis
rumination on bodily abnormalities, normal variants and minor ailments as signs of disease
unmeasured by investigation findings
1:1 female to male
associated with GAD, OCD, panic disorders and depression
associated with childhood illness, abuse or neglect, parental preoccupation with illness and neglect
what other conditions are associated with medically unexplained symptoms
conversion disorder - nervous system symptoms due to underling psychological disorder
factitious disorder - feigning illness without a malingering motive
malingering - feigning illness for personal gain
what medications can be associated with depressive symptoms
beta blockers
statins
corticosteroids
benzos
alcohol
antipsychotics –> drowsiness
what treatments can be used for PTSD
EMDR - eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing
trauma focussed CBT
both recommended by NICE
can also consider medication
types of personality disorder
cluster A: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal
cluster B: antisocial, emotionally unstable/borderline, histrionic, narcissistic
cluster C: obsessive compulsive, avoidant, dependant
management of OCD
exposure and response prevention therapy is first line if mild
if not responded or more severe then sertraline is indicated
SSRIs important interactions
triptans
warfarin/heparin
with NSAIDs try to avoid but if needed prescribe a PPI too
MAOIs - risk of serotonin syndrome
strongest risk factor for psychotic disorders
family history
examples of
- typical antipsychotics
- atypical antipsychotics
typical (1st gen) - haloperidol, chlorpromazine
atypical (2nd gen) - olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone
when is ECT indicated
catatonia
a prolonged or severe manic episode
severe depression that is life-threatening
only when rapid and short term relief is needed and other avenues have been tried/ the condition is imminently life threatening
ECT side effects/contraindications
Short-term side-effects
headache
nausea
short term memory impairment
memory loss of events prior to ECT
cardiac arrhythmia
Long-term side-effects
some patients report impaired memory
only absolute contraindication is raised ICP
What electrolyte abnormality can long term lithium treatment cause
Hyperparathyroidism leading to hypercalcaemia
Presented with stones, bones, moans and groans
categories and examples of side effects of antipsychotics
metabolic - weight gain and diabetes
extrapyramidal - akathisia, dyskinesia, dystonia
cardiovascular - prolonged QT interval,
hormonal - hyperprolactinemia
other - inc unpleasant experiences
when should clozapine be used in schizophrenia
only after 2 other antipsychotics tried of at least one being an atypical antipsychotic
first episode psychosis treatment
oral antipsychotic
+
early intervention psychotherapy such as CBT
what tests should be done before starting an antipsychotic
ECG
Lipid levels
prolactin levels
BMI and physical measurements
movement assessment
assessment of nutrition
HBA1C
pulse and BP
what is schizophrenia
how are the symptoms of schizophrenia divided
schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder
symptoms are divided into positive and negative symptoms
positive - presence of hallucinations, delusions
negative - apathy, social withdrawal
what course does schizophrenia usually present with
a prodromal period of a change in behaviour, deterioration in personal functioning and emergence of negative symptoms - few days to 18 months
followed by an acute phase of psychosis marked by positive symptoms
typical/first gen antipsychotics
block D2 receptors in the brain
examples: haloperidol, chlorpromazine, prochlorperizine
atypical/2nd gen antipsychotics
work on 5HT and DA receptors in 4 pathways throughout the brain - serotonin dopamine 2 antagonists
lower rates of extrapyramidal/movement side effects
more associated with weight gain and impaired glucose tolerance
examples: clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone,
organic causes of psychosis
acute confusion
dementia
brain tumour - usually accompanied by physical issues
temporal lobe epilepsy
CNS infections e.g. in AIDS, encephalitis, neurosyphilis
brain injury
huntingtons
metabolic or endocrine disorders
medication side effects e.g. with high dose steroids
autoimmune e.g. lupus
what conditions can psychotic symptoms occur in
schizophrenia
drug induced psychosis
manic phase of bipolar
severe depression
dementia
what is section 2 of the MHA
allows detention for up to 28 days for assessment where the person is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree which warrants their detention in hospital for assessment (or for assessment followed by treatment) for at least a limited period, and the person ought to be so detained in the interests of their own health or safety or with a view to the protection of others.
the section also allows treatment if needed
needs at least 2 doctors and application made by an AMHP or nearest relative
MHA section 3
up to 6 months (but reviewed after 3 and consent gained or a second opinion)
for treatment
2 doctors needed to approve
MHA section 4
up to 72 hours
any doctor
for emergency admission for treatment
MHA section 5(2)
up to 72 hours by doctor or clinician in charge
emergency holding when patient already in hospital for other reason
MHA section 5(4)
up to 6 hours by a registered nurse for emergency holding when pt already in hospital
MHA section 135
warrant to gain access to patient
can be used once
allows for further assessment but not treatment
one doctor, AMHP and police
MHA section 136
allows police to remove someone from public place to place of safety
can be used once
does not allow treatment
what is schizoaffective disorder
equal and simultaneous symptoms of a mood disorder and psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia
risperidone important side effects
dose dependent extrapyramidal
high prolactin
dose dependent weight gain
acts more like a typical antipsychotic at doses > 6mg
can be given tablet or IM depot
giving olanzapine
+ important side effects
tablets or IM injection
weight gain predominant side effect
can cause lipid changes
increased prolactin but less than risperidone
transaminitis in 2%
giving quetiapine + important side effects
available only as tablet
some weight gain and lipid changes but less than olanzapine
transaminitis in 6%
can cause orthostatic hypotension
can prolong QTc