Psychiatry🤪 Flashcards
What is bulimia?
An eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviour such as self induced vomiting or laxative abuse
What population is bulimia most common in?
Women in their 20s and 30s
What are the risk factors for bulimia? (4)
Female sex Young age Perfectionism History of sexual abuse Personal history of depression or anxiety Family history of depression, anxiety or eating disorders
What is the presentation of bulimia?
Recurrent episodes of binge eating Purging - self induced vomiting, laxative use Body image distortion Dental erosion Parotid gland swelling Russell’s sign
What is Russell’s sign?
Scarring on the back of the hands or knuckles, by repeatedly inducing vomiting
What blood abnormalities may be seen in bulimia?
Alkalosis from vomiting hydrochloric acid
Hypokalaemia
What physical signs of bulimia may be seen? (4)
Erosion of teeth Russell’s sign Parotid gland swelling GORD Mouth ulcers
What are the differentials of bulimia?
Binge eating disorder Anorexia nervosa Rumination-regurgitation disorder Other psychiatric disorders
What is the management of bulimia?
Referral to a specialist CBT Nutrition and meal support SSRIs
What is a delusion?
Delusions are firmly held beliefs that persist, despite evidence to the contrary
What conditions can delusions be a feature of?
Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia Psychosis
What is a nihilistic delusion?
A negative delusion that fits with the patient’s depressed mood - patients may believe that they are dead, or that the world has ended (they believe that everything has come to an end)
What is a grandiose delusion?
Patients believe that they exhibit extraordinary traits or powers
What condition are grandiose delusions common in?
Manic phases of bipolar disorder
What is a delusion of control?
Where a patient experiences the sensation that an external entity is controlling their thoughts or actions
What is a persecutory delusion?
A delusion where the patient believes they are being persecuted or conspired against
What is a somatic delusion?
Where the patient believes that they have a medical, physical or biological problem despite no evidence to support the claim
What are the differential diagnoses for patients with delusion?
Mood disorders with psychotic features
Neurocognitive disorders - dementia, parkinson’s
Substance induced psychosis
What is a personality disorder?
Maladaptive personality traits that interfere with daily life
What are the classes of personality disorders?
Class A, B and C
What types of personality disorder are there?
Anxious/fearful, Odd thinking and eccentric behaviour (Suspicious), Emotional/impulsive
What type of personality disorder are class A?
Suspicious
What type of personality disorder are class B?
Emotional/impulsive
What type of personality disorder are class C?
Anxious/fearful
What are the class C personality disorders?
Obsessive compulsive personality disorder Avoidant personality disorder Dependant personality disorder
What are the class B personality disorders?
Borderline personality disorder (emotionally unstable personality disorder)Antisocial personality disorderHistrionic personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorder
What are the class A personality disorders?
Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder
What are the features of obsessive compulsive personality disorder?
Occupied with details, rules, lists Perfectionism Unrealisitic expectations of themselves and others Catastrophising what will happen if expectations are not met Unwilling to pass tasks to othersIncapable of lettings things go
What are the features of avoidant personality disorder?
Avoidance of social situations and relationships Fear of rejection and disapproval Self-isolation despite longing for interactionViews self as inferior to othersHypersensitivity to criticism
What are the features of dependent personality disorder?
Excessive need to be taken care of
Lack of self confidence and initiative
Relies on others to make decisions
Difficulity in expressing disagreement with others
Extensive efforts to obtain support from others
What are the features of EUPD?
Unstable personal relationships which fluctuate between idealisation and devaluation Mood swings Unstable self imageTendency towards self harm and risky behaviours
What are the features of antisocial personality disorder?
Disregard for and violation of the rights of others Irritability and aggressivenessDeception Irresponsiblity Lack of remorse
What are the features of narcissistic personality disorder?
Grandiose sense of self importance
Taking advantage of others to sustain own needs
Feels that they are special and needs others to recognise this
Pre-occupied with personal fantasies and desires
Lack of empathy
What are the features of histrionic personality disorder?
The need to be at the centre of attention Inappropriate sexual behaviours Excessive displays of emotion Perceives relationships as being more intimate than they are
What are the features of paranoid personality disorder?
Irrational suspicion and mistrust of others Hypersensitivity to insults, unwilling to forgive when insulted Reluctance to confide in others Preoccupied with unfounded beliefs about conspiracies against them
What are the features of schizoid personality disorder?
Restricted range of emotional expression Detachment from social relationships Indifference to praise and criticism Few friends and lack of desire for social companionship
What are the features of schizotypal personality disorder?
Odd or eccentric beliefs Social anxiety that makes forming relationships difficult More intact grasp on reality than in schizophrenia Inappropriate affect Ideas of reference
What is the management of personality disorders?
Psychotherapy
CBT
Medication for underlying psychiatric issues
What is bipolar affective disorder?
A psychiatric disorder characterised by periods of mania/hypomania and depression
When does bipolar disorder typically develop?
Late teens
What are the two types of bipolar disorder?
Type 1 - mania and depression Type 2 - hypomania and depression
Which type of bipolar disorder is most common?
Type 1 - mania and depression
What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?
GeneticsPhysical illnessStressful life events Substance misuse
What is mania?
Severe functional impairment and psychotic symptoms for 7 or more days, with at least 3 associated symptoms
What is hypomania?
Less severe than mania - similar to mania but with no functional impairment, and no psychotic symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a depressive phase of bipolar?
TearfulnessAnhedonia Suicidal ideation or attempts Withdrawal Low mood Poor sleep
What are the signs and symptoms of a manic phase of bipolar?
Elevated moodIrritability Impulsivity Reduced need for sleep Flight of ideas Mood congruent delusions
What are the differential diagnoses of bipolar disorder?
Major depressive disorder Schizoaffective disorderGeneralised anxiety disorderSubstance induced mood disorder
What is the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of bipolar disorder?
Mania - 7 day episode of functional impairment and psychotic symptoms (3 associated symptoms needed)Hypomania - 4 day episode with features similar to mania (bit no functional impairment or psychotic symptoms)Depression - one episode of major depression lasting 2 weeks (with 4 associated symptoms)
What is the treatment of acute mania with agitation?
IM neuroleptic or benzodiazepine (olanzapine or haloperidol) Admission to secure unit
What is the treatment of acute mania without agitation?
Oral antipsychotic monotherapy (+ sedatives)
What is the treatment of acute depression in bipolar?
Mood stabiliser (lithium, anticonvulsant or antipsychotic), antidepressant or atypical antipsychotic Psychosocial support
What is the long term management of bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilisers - lithium or valproateCBT, interpersonal therapy or family therapy
What are the side effects of litium? (5)
Dry mouth Fine tremor GI disturbance Increased thirst Increased urination Drowsiness Thyroid dysfunction
What are the symptoms of lithium toxicity? (5)
Coarse tremor Seizures Dysarthria Impaired coordination Cardiac arrhythmias Visual disturbance
What is the gold standard investigation for lithium toxicity?
Serum lithium levels
What other investigations can be performed to help diagnose lithium toxicity?
U&EsTFTsRenal function ECG
Which antipsychotics are most typically used in the treatment of mania?
Haloperidol Olanzapine Quetiapine Risperidone
What is the first line long term management of bipolar?
Lithium
What is the second line long term management of bipolar?
Add valproate/lamotrigine as an adjunct to lithium
What other medications can be used as mood stabilisers?
Carbamazepine Olanzapine
When should lithium levels be monitored after a change in dose?
1 week after dose change and then every week until levels are stable
What is section 2 of the mental health act for?
Admission for assessmentTreatment can be given against a patient’s consent
How long does section 2 of the MHA last?
28 days (cannot be renewed)
What criteria must a patient fit to be treated under the MHA?
They must have a mental disorderThey must be a risk to the safety of themselves or others Their condition must be treatable
What are the 5 key principles of the mental capacity act?
A person is assumed to have capacity unless proven otherwise Steps must be taken to help a person have capacity An unwise decision does not mean the patient lacks capacityAny decisions taken under the MCA must be in a patient’s best interests Any decisions made should be the least restrictive
What is an approved mental health professional AMHP?
A healthcare professional who receive and coordinate mental health assessment referrals
What is an S12 approved doctor?
A doctor (usually a consultant psychiatrist) who is approved under section 12 of the mental health act
Who is needed for someone to be detained under section 2 of the MHA?
Two healthcare professionals - one S12 approved doctor
What evidence is needed to detain someone under section 2 of the MHA?
Patient is suffering from a mental health disorder of a degree that warrants detention for assessment The patient is at risk to themselves or to others
What is section 3 of the mental health act for?
Detention for treatment
How long does section 3 of the MHA last?
6 months (and can be renewed)
Who is needed for someone to be detained under section 3 of the MHA?
Two healthcare professionals - one S12 approved doctor
What evidence is needed to section someone under section 3 of the MHA?
Patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a degree which makes it appropriate for the patient to receive medical treatment in a hospitalTreatment is in the best interests of the patients and others safetyAppropriate treatment must be available for the patient
What is section 4 of the MHA used for?
An emergency 72 hour assessment order, used when a section 2 would cause too much delay
How many healthcare professionals are needed for a section 4?
Just one - it is used when waiting for a second doctor would be detrimental
What is section 5(2) of the MHA used for?
Section 5(2) is used by doctors for keeping a patient already admitted voluntary to hospital in hopsital
How long does section 5(2) of the MHA last for?
72 hours
What is section 5(4) of the MHA used for?
Section 5(4) is used by nurses for keeping a patient already admitted voluntarily to hospital, in hospital
What is section 135 of the MHA used for?
Section 135 is used by police - a court order is obtained to allow the police to break into a property in order to bring the patient to a place of safety for further assessment
What is section 136 of the MHA used for?
Section 136 is used by the police - a person found in a public place that has a suspected mental health disorder can be taken to a place of safety for further assessment
What conditions are thought disorders associated with?
Schizophrenia Psychosis
What is circumstantiality in thought disorders?
The patient moves onto different topics, in a way that can be followed, and eventually returns back to the original thought
What is derailment (or flight of ideas) in thought disorders?
When the conversation moves randomly from topic to topic, that cannot be linked
What is poverty of speech?
A lack of spontaneous speech
What is perseveration in thought disorders?
The repetition of words or ideas when someone else attempts to change the topic
What is thought blocking?
When a patient suddenly halts their thought process and cannot continue
What is echolalia?
When a person repeats someone else’s speech, including the question that was asked
What are clang associations?
When ideas are related to each other only by the fact that they sound similar or rhyme
What is tangentiality?
Where a patient jumps from topic to topic, in a way that can be followed, but does not come back around to the original idea
What is thought broadcasting?
Where a patient believes that others can hear their thoughts
What is Knight’s move?
Where there are illogical leaps from one idea to another in conversation
What are Cotard delusions?
A delusion that the patient or a part of their body is dead or non-existent
What is a Capgras delusion?
A delusion that a person close to the patient has been replaced
What is a De Frogoli delusion?
Where a patient identified a familiar person in those around them and thinks that they are under disguise
What is a Ekbom delusion?
A delusion that the patient is infested with bugs
What is schizophrenia?
A relapsing and remitting form of psychosis characterised by positive features and negative features
What is the epidemiology of schizophrenia?
Typically develops in early adulthood (20s and 30s)Slightly more common in men
What is the strongest risk factor for schizophrenia?
Genetics
What is the risk of developing schizophrenia if a monozygotic twin or both parents have schizophrenia?
50%
What is the risk of developing schizophrenia if a parent or sibling has the condition?
10%
What are the environmental risk factors for developing schizophrenia?
Heavy cannabis use in childhood Childhood trauma Maternal health issues - rubella and CMV Birth trauma
What are Schneider’s first rank symptoms of schizophrenia?
Auditory hallucinations
Thought disorders
Passivity phenomena
Delusional perceptions
What thought disorders are common in schizophrenia?
Thought withdrawal Thought insertion Thought broadcasting
What types of auditory hallucinations are seen in patients with schizophrenia?
Two or more voices discussing the patient in third person
Voices commenting on the patient’s behaviour
Thought echo
What is thought echo?
A hallucination where the patient hears their own thoughts as if they were being spoken aloud
What is passivity phenomena?
The feeling that a patient’s actions, thoughts, bodily sensations or feelings are being controlled by an external influence
What is a delusional perception?
A true perception, to which the patient attributes a false meaning
What are the negative features of schizophrenia?
Alogia - decrease in the amount of words a person says Anhedonia Blunted affectAvolition - poor motivation Social withdrawal
What is blunted affect?
Decreased expression of emotion through facial expressions, tone and movement
What are the differentials of schizophrenia? (4)
Substance induced psychosis Schizoaffective disorderDementia with psychosis Depression with psychosis Autoimmune encephalitis Metabolic disorders
What investigations are helpful in the diagnosis of schizophrenia?
Mostly a clinical diagnosis CT/MRI to rule out structural abnormalities Infectious screen TFTsU&EsDrug screening
What is the first line management of schizophrenia?
Atypical antipsychotics e.g risperidoneCBT
What is given as an adjunct for an acute episode of schizophrenia?
Oral benzodiazpine e.g lorazepam or haloperidol
What drug is considered if schizphrenia is resistant to other antipsychotics?
Clozapine
What is the major side effect of clozapine?
Agranulocytosis
What monitoring does clozapine require?
FBC before starting FBC weekly for 18 weeks then FBC fortnightly until 1 year then FBC monthly
What factors are associated with poor prognosis for schizophrenia?
Strong family history Gradual onset Low IQ Lack of obvious precipitant Prodromal phase of social withdrawal
What are the side effects of risperidone?
Weight gain
Poor glycaemic control
Dyslipidaemia
What are the side effects of haloperidol?
Dystonia (acute dystonic reaction)
Parkinsonism
Tardive dyskinesia
Akathisia
What are the side effects of all antipsychotics? (4)
Sedation Hyperprolactinaemia Sexual dysfunction Cardiac arrhythmias Reduction of seizure threshold