Psychiatry Flashcards
When dealing with difficult pts, the physician must maintain professional conduct and responsibilities while addressing their medical and psychological needs.
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Adjustment disorder
Characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor that occurs within 3 months of the stressor; it usually causes a significant impairment in the patients life and disruption of daily activities.
mania
- commonly gamble and spend large sums of money
- decreased need for sleep
- increased goal-oriented activity
- flight of ideas
- grandiosity
- talkativeness
Obsessive-Compulsive behavior
- recurrent obsessive thoughts that cause marked distress and anxiety
- to relieve anxiety, repetitive and compulsive behaviors are performed
- in adult pts, they typically recognize the absurdity of the behavior but feel helpless to control it
Antisocial personality disorder
- pattern of repetitive and persistent behavior in which the basic rules of society and rights of others are violated
- must be aged >18 years to be diagnosed (conduct disorder in childhood)
Adjustment disorder
- emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor
- marked distress is present in excess of what would be expected by exposure to the stressor
emotions common in the grieving process
-anger, grief, shock, and denial
pathologic gambling
- chronic hx of gambling and an inability to stop
- significant financial losses and damaged relationships are common consequences
are extrapyramidal side effects more common w/ first or second generation anti-psychotics?
first generation
common side effect of paliperidone and risperidone
-amenorrhea resulting from prolactin elevation
side effects of clozapine
-leukopenia and agranulocytosis
lithium can cause what side effect?
-nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
which second generation antipsychotics cause the greatest weight gain?
Olanzapine and Clozapine
Olanzapine
- second generation (atypical) antipsychotic
- serotonin-dopamin antagonist (also has affinity for histamine, alpha1 adrenergic, and muscarinic receptors)
- common side effects are sedation and weight gain
- may cause other metabolic side effects
HIPAA
- protects health info by requiring VERBAL OR WRITTEN authorization for release of info
- hospitals and physicians frequently have additional policies requiring written forms for release of info and procedures to verify the identity of phone callers
- its important that health care providers be familiar w/ these rules and disclose ONLY THE MINIMUM NECESSARY INFO.
Adolescents presenting with behavioral changes should be evaluated for the use of illegal and illicit substances. In additions to substance use, other considerations include what?
- partner violence
- date rape
- physical or sexual abuse
- pregnancy
Psychological defense mechanisms
- unconscious means of responding and adapting to different situations while preserving one’s self-image
- serve to decrease anxiety associated w/ shame and vulnerability, ensure safety in the face of abandonment and other disappointments, and insulate a person from external dangers
- classified as IMMATURE or MATURE
Dissociation
- immature defense mechanism that involves disruptions in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception to retain the illusion of psychological control in the face of loss of control/helplessness
- may involve the alteration of memory of events
- i.e. a patient who was rescued from a burning building and now has no memory of it, instead describing a missing block of time
Distortion
- immature defense mechanism involving an altered perception of disturbing aspects of external reality to make them more acceptable
- an example is an IV drug abuser who contract HCV and attributes it to inadequate control of the disease in the community
Projection
- immature defense mechanism that involves attributing unacceptable internal thoughts or emotions to others
- an example is a husband w/ thoughts of infidelity who accuses his wife of being unfaithful
Regression
- immature defense mechanism involving a return to more immature levels of functioning to avoid the stress and conflict associated w/ one’s current developmental level
- i.e. a child who was previously toilet-trained but began to wet the bed after the birth of a sibling
- an adult example is a man in his 30’s who moves back home w/ his parents in response to pressure to propose to his girlfriend
Repression
- immature defense mechanism that involves blocking upsetting ideas or impulses from entering consciousness
- involves blocking INNER states, in contrast to denial, which involves blocking acceptances of EXTERNAL sensory data
- i.e. a person who repressed memories of abuse by a parent when young and always “forgets” to call this parent on birthdays w/o understanding why
Displacement
-immature defense mechanisms in which unacceptable feeling about an object or person are displaced onto another “safer” object or person
Mature defense mechanisms
- Altruism: avoiding negative feelings by helping others
- Humor: using humor to avoid uncomfortable feelings
- Sublimation: channeling impulses into socially acceptable behaviors
- Suppression: putting unwanted feelings aside to cope w/ reality
- “Mature people were a SASH when dealing w/ their problems”
Immature defense mechanisms (primitive and neurotic)
-Acting out, denial, displacement, dissociation, distortion, fantasy, intellectualization, isolation of affect, passive aggression, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, regression, repression, somatization, splitting
acting out
- immature
- easing unacceptable feelings by behaving badly
denial
- immature
- behaving as if an aspect of reality doesn’t exist
Displacement
- immature
- transferring feelings to a more acceptable object
Dissociation
- immature
- disrupting memory, identity and consciousness to cope w/ an event
Distortion
- immature
- altering perception of upsetting reality to be more acceptable
Fantasy
- immature
- substituting imaginary scenarios
Intellectualization
- immature
- using intellect to avoid uncomfortable feelings
Isolation of affect
- immature
- separating a thought from its emotional components
Passive aggression
- immature
- avoiding conflict by expressing hostility covertly
Projection
- immature
- attributing one’s own feelings to others
Rationalization
- immature
- justifying behavior to avoid difficult truths
Reaction formation
- immature
- responding in a manner opposite to one’s actual feelings
Regression
- immature
- reverting to earlier in developmental stage
Repression
- immature
- blocking upsetting feelings from entering consciousness
Somatization
- immature
- transforming emotional conflicts into physical symptoms
Splitting
- immature
- seeing others as all bad or all good
altruism
- mature
- avoiding negative feelings by helping others
humor
- mature
- using humor to avoid uncomfortable feelings
sublimation
- mature
- channeling impulses into socially acceptable behaviors
suppression
- mature
- putting unwanted feelings aside to cope with reality
psychosis
-presence of one or more of the following: delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior
Clozapine
- second generation antipsychotic that is considered the gold standard for TREATMENT-RESISTANT SCHIZOPHRENIA
- due to the risk of AGRANULOCYTOSIS, its reserved for pts who have failed to respond to at least 2 trials of antipsychotics
when are injectable, long-acting antipsychotics indicated?
-when there are concerns regarding compliance after discharge
is lorazepam short or long acting?
short
Treatment for psychosis
- second generation antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, paliperidone) are first-line
- first generation (haloperidol) may be used but are not preferred due to higher risk of EPS/tardive dyskinesia
- benzodiazepines may be added to treat associated agitation
- chronic noncompliance: consider long-acting injectable
- treatment resistant (2 failed trials): consider clozapine
Pts w/ depression or underlying psychiatric issues frequently come to their primary care physicians w/ physical complaints.
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Malingering
- characterized by grossly exaggerated physical or psychological complaints, often accompanied by the intentional production of false physical symptoms
- always associated w/ secondary gain (financial, leave from work, narcotics), whereas the motivating factor in factitious disorder is to assume the sick role
Factitious disorder
- intentional production of false physical or psychological signs or symptoms in order to assume the sick role
- unlike pts w/ malingering, those w/ factitious disorder receive no secondary gain
Hypochondriasis
- fear of disease and preoccupation w/ the body that manifests itself through multiple somatic complaints
- the concerns persist in spite of appropriate medical evaluations, cause marked impairment, and last for at least 6 months
Conversion disorder
- characterized by the development of unexplained serious neurological symptoms preceded by an obvious emotional trigger (a tragic event or argument)
- the symptoms are not artificially produced, are unexplained by any medical condition, and can be severe enough to cause social and functional impairment
Cauda equine syndrome
-characterized by low back pain, sciatica, saddle sensory disturbances, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and motor and sensory loss of the lower extremities
Dependent personality disorder
- tend to be unable to make decisions w/o help and crave protection and guidance from others
- they are devastated by separation and loss and will go to great lengths to stay in a dependent relationship
Loss of a loved one can trigger the onset of a major depressive episode. Bereaved pts who experience depressive symptoms for at least 2 weeks after a major loss should be considered for tx w/ both psychotherapy and a trial of antidepressants.
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A pregnant woman who has capacity to make decisions has the right to refuse treatment, even if it places her unborn child at risk. Her autonomy supersedes the rights of the unborn child. A judicial intervention should only be considered as a last resort in exceptional circumstances, such as when the refused tx poses insignificant risk to the mother, involves minimal invasions of her bodily integrity, and would prevent substantial and irrevocable harm to the fetus.
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how is amphetamine intoxication differed from anticholinergic poisoning?
-anticholinergic poisoning will have DRY skin and mucous membranes, motor symptoms (ie myoclonic jerks, tremors), and other classic anticholinergic manifestations such as ileus and urinary retention.
Brief psychotic disorder
- requires presence of one or more of the following: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized behavior.
- symptoms must be present for at least a day but less than a month, w/ eventual complete resolution
Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- muscle spasms, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, and sweating
- patient may demonstrate irritability, hypertension, and mydriasis
manic episode
- abnormally expansive or irritable mood and increased goal-directed activity or energy for at least a week
- also distractibility, decreased sleep, and pressured speech
Pheochromocytoma symptoms
-elevated BP, headaches, sweating, palpitations, anxiety, nausea, weight loss
Schizophrenia
- hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal, poverty of speech)
- these symptoms must be present for at least 6 months ( <6 months is schizophreniform)
amphetamine intoxication
- agitation, irritability, paranoia, or delirium
- chest pain or palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, and mydriasis
- cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, hyperthermia, and intracerebral hemorrhage
Confidentiality
-physicians are prohibited from disclosing info about the patient’s diagnosis or tx to anyone not directly involved in, or necessary to, the patient’s management
what is the greatest risk factor for future suicide attempt?
-past history of suicide attempt(s)
Difference between competence and capacity?
- Competency is a legal definition decided by the courts
- Capacity is used in medical situations to determine if someone has the ability to give informed consent to receive or refuse therapy
what is “presumed” consent?
- in emergency situations, the physician can assume that the patient would give consent and should proceed with intervention therapy
- situations include unconsciousness or incapacitated or when no surrogate decision maker is available
Patients w/ psychiatric diagnoses can give informed consent as long as their judgement and decision-making abilities are determined to be intact.
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Paranoid personality disorder
- distrust and fear
- individuals frequently have unfounded suspicions and misinterpret the motives of others
- they may find it difficult to confide in or forgive people
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- preoccupation w/ orderliness or precision
- typically stubborn and inflexible, these pts may have obsessive thoughts that cause anxiety until a specific action is taken (ie the arranging of figurines on a shelf in a certain pattern)
Delusional disoder
-requires the presence of non-bizarre delusions (involving situations that are logical possibilities) for at least one month
Antisocial personality disorder
- an ADULT condition characterized by disregard for and violation of the rights of others
- individuals frequently engage in illegal activities and have a hx of conduct disorder during adolescence
Acute stress disorder
- symptoms identical to those observed w/ PTSD (ie flashbacks and nightmares about a traumatic event, hypervigilance, social detachment, poor sleep).
- the symptoms must develop WITHIN 4 WEEKS of the traumatic event and last no longer than an additional 4 weeks
Adjustment disorder
- development of behavioral or emotional symptoms in response to a psychosocial stressor (ie divorce, physical illness) that arose within the past 3 months.
- the symptoms cause marked distress in excess of that expected from exposure to the stressor
- functional impairment is present
Narcissistic personality disorder
-exaggerated sense of self-importance, feelings of entitlement, egocentrism, and a lack of empathy for others
Benztropine
-anticholinergic medication that can be used to treat antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, but it is NOT used in the management of NMS
Naloxone
-used to treat opioid overdose
Physostigmine
-used to reverse toxic CNS effects caused by anticholinergic drugs
Propranolol
-sometimes used to treat the antipsychotic side effect akathisia
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- an unusual but potentially lethal side effect from the use of antipsychotics (neuroleptics).
- it is treated primarily w/ DANTROLENE SODIUM and supportive care (aggressive cooling, antipyretics, fluid and electrolyte repletion, and alkaline diuresis in the case of rhabdomyolysis)
- amantadine and/or the dopamine agonist bromocriptine can also be used
- may occur at any time during the treatment w/ dopamine ANTAGONISTS
- symptoms include hyperthermia, autonomic instability, muscular rigidity, and altered sensorium, and rhabdomyolysis
Avoidant personality disorder
-pts desire social interaction but shy away due to feelings of inadequacy or fear of criticism, failure, or rejection
diagnosis of major depression
-requires 5 of 9 of the following symptoms for 2 wks or longer: depressed mood, Sleep disorder, Interest deficit (anhedonia), Guilt (worthlessness, regret), Energy deficit, Concentration deficit, Appetite disorder, Psychomotor retardation or agitation, and Suicidality (SIGECAPS)
Social anxiety disorder
-involves excessive fears of embarrassment and humiliation in social situations
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- refers to a depressed mood lasting most days for at least 2 years
- symptoms of a major depressive episode may occur concurrently or intermittently in persistent depressive disorder
Pramipexole
- dopamine agonist
- used to treat symptoms of Parkinson disease and restless legs syndrome
Narcolepsy
- excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of cataplexy
- tx includes maintaining proper sleep schedules and avoiding alcohol and drugs that cause drowsiness
- when meds are needed, stimulants such as modafinil are the preferred drugs to reduce daytime somnolence
Borderline personality disorder
- often show a pattern of instability in relationships and can be impulsive and/or reckless
- they also have identity disturbance, recurrent suicidal or self-mutilating behavior, and feelings of emptiness
Conduct disorder
- children and adolescent w/ conduct disorder often become adults w/ antisocial personality disorder
- the diagnosis requires at least 3 symptoms from the following: aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, or a serious violation of rules
- however, if someone qualifies for the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, they no longer have conduct disorder
histrionic personality disorder
-demonstrate excessively labile emotions and attention-seeking behavior
narcissistic personality disorder
- often have an exaggerated sense of self importance, demonstrate arrogant behavior, and lack empathy for others
- however, they usually do not break the law and are not violent towards others
Antisocial personality disorder
- diagnosed in pts aged 18 yrs or older who engage in illegal activities and disregard the rights of others
- these individuals often display evidence of conduct disorder as minors
Schizotypal personality disorder
- odd and eccentric behavior, magical thinking, and a reduced capacity for close relationships
- may have bizarre fantasies and believe in telepathy, clairvoyance, or the concept of a sixth sense
- they often have paranoid ideation and unusual perceptual experiences
- while individuals w/ SCHIZOID personality disorder also lack close friends and have a restricted range of emotional expression, they do NOT have eccentric behavior or odd thinking
- those w/ avoidant personality disorder want friends but fear ridicule
Avoidant personality disorder
- hypersensitivity to criticism, social inhibition, and feelings of inadequacy
- these individuals want friendships, but they avoid them because they fear ridicule
- they also perceive themselves as inferior and are reluctant to engage in new activities or to take risks for fear of being embarrassed
Dependent personality disorder
- have an excessive need to be cared for and tend to be clingy and submissive w/ loved ones
- they are usually indecisive and avoid taking the initiative because of feelings of inadequacy
- they have difficulty expressing disagreement w/ others for fear of losing support, and they dread being left alone to fend for themselves
Schizoid personality disorder
- social detachment and an inability to express emotion
- they do NOT enjoy close relationships and prefer to be aloof and isolated
- they rarely indulge in any pleasurable activities and appear indifferent to praise or criticism
Pts have the right to refuse tx except when doing so poses a serious threat to public health. In these cases, the physician is justified in restricting individual liberties until the public’s health is no longer at risk.
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mechanism of action of antipsychotic meds
- primarily consists of dopamine-D2 receptor blockade
- the added serotonin receptor binding of atypical antipsychotics reduces the likelihood of extrapyramidal side effects
Risperidone
- binds w/ a very high affinity to serotonin receptors, which results in an improvement in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, a reduction in the incidence of EPS side effects, and concomitant tx of depression
- however, risperidone primarily affects psychosis be blocking dopamine D2 receptors
Psychosis is associated w/ increased dopaminergic activity, and is therefore best tx w/ drugs that primarily block the dopamine D2 receptors
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Amantadine
- dopamine AGONIST used in the tx of Parkinson’s disease
- it has been shown to delay the onset and minimize the severity of dementia in pts w/ Parkinson’s disease
- however, the utility in Alzheimer’s pts is quite limited
Tx for Alzheimer’s disease
- Reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (aricept), rivastigmine (exelon), and galantamine (razadyne) are of benefit in slowing the cognitive decline associated w/ Alzheimer’s
- Donepezil is approved for all stages of Alzheimer’s dementia
- Memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is approved for moderate-to-severe dementia
If parents refuse to consent to tx of their child for a non-emergency but fatal medical condition, the physician should seek a court order mandating treatment. If a delay in obtaining consent would be imminently life-threatening, the physician is legally authorized to provide emergency tx for the child, regardless of the parent’s wishes.
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CBT
- focuses on reducing automatic negative thoughts and avoidance behaviors that cause distress
- its effective as monotherapy or in combo w/ meds for a wide range of psychiatric disorders
- addresses distortions such as OVERGENERALIZING of negative events, CATASTROPHIZING, minimizing positive events, and maximizing negative events
melancholic depression
- subtype of major depression
- characterized by anhedonia, absent mood reactivity, depressed mood (typically worse in the morning), insomnia or early morning awakening, loss of appetite w/ weight loss, excessive guilt, and psychomotor agitation or retardation
- more common in older adults
atypical depression
-hypersomnia, increased appetite, rejection sensitivity, and leaden paralysis (heavy feelings in limbs)
The diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires at least 5 of 9 depressive symptoms for at least 2 weeks, w/ at least 1 being depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. Symptoms must cause significant functional impairment.
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Pts have the right to know their diagnoses. If family members request that the diagnosis not be revealed to the patient, the underlying reasons should be explored before deciding how to proceed.
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social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
-anxiety restricted to social and performance situations, FEAR OF SCRUTINY and embarrassment
Panic disorder
-recurrent, UNEXPECTED panic attacks
Specific phobia
-excessive anxiety about a SPECIFIC OBJECT or situation (phobic stimulus)
GAD
-CHRONIC MULTIPLE WORRIES, anxiety, tension
Social anxiety disorder
- characterized by fear of one or more social situations and anxiety about acting in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing.
- it should be differentiated from other DSM-5 anxiety disorders such as panic disorder (unexpected panic attacks) and specific phobias (specific phobic stimulus)
Panic disorder comorbidities and tx
- frequently associated w/ other psychiatric illnesses, including agoraphobia, major depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse
- its also linked to higher rate of suicide attempts or suicidal ideations
- tx in the immediate period is benzo’s; over the long term its SSRI/SNRI and/or CBT
Advanced sleep phase disorder
- circadian rhythm disorder characterized by inability to stay awake in the evening (usually after 7pm), making social functioning difficult
- these pts frequently complain of early-morning insomnia due to their early bedtime
Delayed sleep phase syndrome
- circadian rhythm disorder characterized by inability to fall asleep at “normal” bedtimes such as 10pm-midnight
- often cannot fall asleep until 4-5am, but their sleep is normal if they are allowed to sleep until late morning
Restless leg syndrome
- intense and unpleasant creeping sensation in the lower extremities that is relieved by moving the legs
- symptoms occur most often w/ the onset of sleep
Poor sleep hygiene
- can be associated w/ insomnia
- ie. poor sleep scheduling w/ variable wake and sleep times and frequent daytime napping; routine use of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine especially in the period preceding sleep; engaging in mentally or physically stimulating activities too close to bedtime; and frequent use of the bed for activities other than sleep
alcohol withdrawal
- develop signs and symptoms between 12 and 48 hours after the last drink
- during the acute stage: sweating, hyperreflexia, tremors, and seizures
- this is followed by ACUTE HALLUCINOSIS (auditory/visual) in the absence of autonomic symptoms
- final stage is DELIRIUM TREMENS, which usually occurs 2-4 days after the last drink
- pts suffering from DT present w/ altered sensorium, hallucinations, and autonomic instability (tachycardia, fever, sweating). Death can result if not properly treated