Psychiatry 5 Flashcards
What pathways are involved in schizophrenia which result in the symptoms seen?
Mesolimbic pathway
- positive symptoms
Meso-cortical
- hypofunction leading to negative symptoms
Nigrostriatal pathway
- usually involved in Parkinson’s disease
Which two mental state examinations are sufficient to diagnose Alzheimer’s?
Addenbrookes
MMSE
What is the non-pharmacological treatment/ Management of Alzheimer’s disease?
Carers
OT review of house with aids
Advance directives/ Power of Attorney
Regular follow up with:
- Old age psychiatry
- Community psychiatric nurses
Complications:
- music therapy (for agitation)
- Alert bracelets (for wandering)
What are some complications that occur in Alzheimer’s disease?
Agitation Aggression Insomnia Depression Wandering Hallucinations
What things may be seen on a brain scan of a schizophrenic patient?
Enlarged ventricles
- lateral
- 3rd
5% brain reduction
Reduced asymmetry
What is the official cut off for a learning difficulty?
IQ of <70
<20 is profound and around a 3 year old age
List some other features of alcohol dependence not mentioned previously:
Narrowing of repertoire
- continually going to same place and drinking same thing
Rapid reinstatement
- if sober then goes back onto alcohol there is a rapid deterioration to how they used to be
What is one unit?
10ml of pure ethanol
*roughly what an adult can metabolise in 1 hour or 8g of pure ethanol
Which receptors are implicated in alcohol dependence?
GABA - A
NMDA - A
When do the first symptoms of alcohol withdrawal start?
4-12 hours
When should you refer to specialist services for alcohol addiction?
Failure of brief interventions
Evidence of dependence
Previous history with engagement
*specialist service offers a safe environment for detoxification
What is the most common serious infection in IVDUs?
Hepatitis C
Which drugs are commonly used IV?
Heroin
Cocaine
Amphetamines
What percentage of people who commit suicide have an underlying diagnosis?
> 90%
- depression
50% have a passed history of self harm
What drugs can be used for management of opioid withdrawal?
Buprenorphine
Methadone
Lofexidine
