Psychiatry

Question 1

what is a characteristic side effect of mirtazapine?

Answer 1

inc appetite

Question 2

what is the first line treatment for delirium tremens?

Answer 2

chlordiazepoxide

Question 3

what are the features of delirium tremens?

Answer 3

• coarse tremor
• confusion
• delusions
• auditory and visual hallucinations (often insects etc)
• fever
• tachycardia

Question 4

how do you differentiate mania and hypomania?

Answer 4

mania -
severe functional impairment
psychotic sx
7+ days

Question 5

what type of side effect of antipsychotics is a bilateral resting tremor?

Answer 5

parkinsonism

Question 6

what is a somatisation disorder?

Answer 6

multiple physical SYMPTOMS present for at least 2 years
patient refuses to accept reassurance or negative test results

Question 7

what is a conversion disorder?

Answer 7

typically involves loss of motor or sensory function
the patient doesn’t consciously feign the symptoms (factitious disorder) or seek material gain (malingering)

Question 8

which group of medications should be avoided in patients taking SSRIs?

Answer 8

triptans -> serotonin syndrome

Question 9

when should patients under 25 be reviewed after being started on an SSRI?

Answer 9

1 week

Question 10

name for thinking you’re dead and associated condition?

Answer 10

cotard syndrome
major depressive disorder

Question 11

how long post dose do lithium levels need to be taken?

Answer 11

12 hours

Question 12

patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors should avoid which foods?

Answer 12

tyramine:
cheese, pickled herring, bovril, oxo, marmite, broad beans