Psychiatry

Question 1

Which benzodiazepine is preferred for gradual tapering and why?

Answer 1

UK guidelines support using diazepam as the preferred benzodiazepine for withdrawal due to its long half-life and availability in lower doses, which facilitates gradual tapering.

Question 2

What is the minimum duration of an ICD-10 depression episode>

Answer 2

2 weeks

Question 3

Patients starting SSRI who are under 25 or at an increased risk of suicide should be reviewed in how long after starting? What if they don’t fit this criteria?

Answer 3

1 week
2 weeks otherwise

Question 4

What is first line rapid tranquelization?

Answer 4

NICE recommend either intramuscular (IM) lorazepam or IM haloperidol + IM promethazine for rapid tranquilisation of patients with acutely disturbed behaviour

Oral lorazepam is most often used first line for rapid tranquillization in acutely disturbed behaviour if they will accept it

Lorazepam is preferred for those already on antipsychotics or for those whose cardiac status is unknown