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?
Lorazepam
Alternative: olanzapine, haloperidol
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
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First should be withdrawn before the alternative is started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?
Reducing benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide) regime IV pabrinex
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
What are some medical management options for preventing relapse in alcohol abuse?
Acamprosate (anti-craving)
Disulfiram
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