Psychiatry Flashcards
For what time period must symptoms be seen before a diagnosis of depression can be made?
Two weeks
Refeeding syndrome electrolyte imbalances?
Hypophosphataemia, Hypomagnaesiumia and Hypokalaemia
When does Postpartum psychosis occur?
Within the first two weeks postpartum
What is the first line treatment of mild to moderate dementia?
Donepezil, Rivastigmine or Galantamine
What treatment may be offered in severe dementia?
NMDA inhibitor, Memantine
What are the pharmacotherapeutic options for postpartum psychosis?
Antipsychotics - Olanzapine and Quetiapine are safe to take whilst breastfeeding
Mood stabilisers in some instances
What would you see on examination of a patient with Anorexia Nervosa?
- BMI <17.5 kg/m2 (contrast with bulimia nervosa, where there may be many similar features, but the BMI is normal‚ a key distinguishing feature)
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Enlarged salivary glands
- Lanugo hair (fine hair covering the skin)
- Amenorrhoea (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism)
- Additional features in the ‘bulimic’ subtype may include hypokalaemic hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis, pitted teeth, parotid swelling, and scarring of the dorsum of the hand (Russell’s sign).
What blood results would you expect for a patient with anorexia nervosa?
Deranged electrolytes - typically low calcium, magnesium, phosphate and potassium
Low sex hormone levels (FSH, LH, oestrogen and testosterone)
Leukopenia
Raised growth hormone and cortisol levels (stress hormones)
Hypercholesterolaemia
Metabolic alkalosis, either due to vomiting or use of diuretics
What is the Tetrad of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Hypertonia, hyperthermia, autonomic instability and mental state change.
What investigations would you do for neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
FBC - Monitoring for potential leukocytosis or signs of infection.
Creatine Kinase (CK) Levels: Markedly elevated CK levels are often observed due to muscle breakdown.
Renal and Liver Function Tests: monitoring organ function due to the potential systemic effects.
What is the mechanism of action for typical antipsychotics?
Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, blocking dopaminergic transmission in the mesolimbic pathways
What is the mechanism of action for Atypical antipsychotics?
Act on a variety of receptors (D2,D3, D4, 5-HT)
What is an acute dystonic reaction and how do you manage it?
- Sustained muscle contraction (e.g. torticollis, oculogyric crisis)
- Managed with procyclidine
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Late onset of choreoatheoid movements, abnormal, involuntary, may occur in 40% of patients, may be irreversible, most common is chewing and pouting of jaw
A woman presents to her male family doctor wearing a low-cut top and a short skirt. She tries to flirt with the doctor. The consultation is filled with drama and she becomes annoyed with the centre of attention shifts from her is a stereotypical history of:
Histrionic Personality disorder
What symptoms might you get in SSRI discontinuation?
- Increased mood change
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Unsteadiness
- Sweating
- GI Symptoms
- Paraesthesia
What is the risk of using SSRIs in the third trimester of pregnancy?
Risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
When should patients <25 years who have started on SSRIs be reviewed?
After 1 week due to the increased risk of suicidality
When would you expect the peak incidence of delirium tremens in acute alcohol withdrawal?
48-72 hours; Coarse tremor, confusion, delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, fever, tachycardia
When would you expect the peak incidence of seizures in acute alcohol withdrawal?
36 hours
What is the first-line talking therapy in Schizophrenia?
CBT
What is Circumstantiality?
The inability to answer a question without giving excessive, unnecessary detail
What is Tangentiality?
Refers to wandering from a topic without returning to it
What are clang associations?
When ideas are related to each other only by the fact they sound similar or rhyme
What is word salad?
Describes completely incoherent speech where real words are strung together into nonsense sentences
What is echolalia?
Repetition of someone else’s speech, including the question that was asked
What are some common features if PTSD?
- re-experiencing e.g. flashbacks, nightmares
- avoidance e.g. avoiding people or situations
- hyperarousal e.g.hypervigilance, sleep problems
- emotional numbing - lack of ability to experience feelings or feeling detached
How long should antidepressants be continued after remission of symptoms?
6 months
What medications should be avoided when taking SSRIs?
Triptans
What is the antidepressant of choice for children and adolescents?
Fluoextine
What is included in type 1 bipolar?
Mania and depression (most common)
What is included in Type 2 bipolar disorder?
Hypomania and depression
What is Mania?
Severe functional impairment or psychotic symptoms for 7 days or more
What is hypomania?
Describes decreased or increased function for 4 days or more
What is Malingering?
Fraudulent simulation or exaggeration of symptoms with the intention of financial or other gain
What is Pick’s Disease?
It is a cause of frontotemporal dementia where there is an accumulation of TAU proteins within the neurons.
What is Acute Stress reaction?
An immediate and intense psychological response following exposure to a traumatic event.
Can occur within the initial three days to four weeks post trauma.
What are the clinical features of Acute stress reaction?
- Rapid onset of intense psychological distress post- trauma
- Symptoms: intrusive memories, dissociation, heightened arousal, avoidance and negative mood alterations
- Emotional reactions: Overwhelming anxieties, sense of unreality
- Psychological manifestations: Palpitations, hypervigilance
- Behavioural responses: efforts to escape reminders
- Duration: 3 days to 4 weeks