Psychiatry Flashcards
Define neurology. (3)
Give 3 examples of neurological pathology. (3)
Disorders of nervous system with established aetiologies, demonstrable anatomical pathology and physical symptoms.
Stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s.
Define psychiatry. (2)
Give an example of a psychiatric illness. (1)
Disorders of mood, thought and behaviour with no or only minor physical symptoms with no visible pathology.
Depression.
Describe the two functional types of neurology. (4)
Neurotic disorders - falls within normal experience - depression, anxiety.
Psychotic disorders - falls outside of normal experience - schizophrenia.
Describe the organic type of neurology. (2)
Underlying physical pathology causing the disease state - dementia, traumatic brain injury, drug induced.
Describe the principles of psychopharmotherapy. Give two disadvantages of this type of therapy. (3)
Identifying chemical imbalances and trying to correct this with drugs. Doesn’t work on everyone and has side effects.
Describe the principles of psychosocial therapy. (2)
Seek to work through, understand and find resolutions for mental illness resulting from upbringing and environmental factors.
Give four reasons why there is a need to classify mental illnesses. (4)
To enable clinician communication.
To allow understanding of the options following diagnosis.
To classify patients for research
To be able to relate research back to every day patients.
Define “disorder” in relation to psychiatry. (3) Give one example of a thing that is not a disorder. (1)
A clinically recognisable cluste of symptoms or behaviours associated in most cases with distress and interference with personal function. Social deviance without personal dysfunction does not count.
Describe four criticisms of classifying patients with mental illness. (4)
Categorisation denied unique personal difficulties
Could label deviant behaviour as an illness
Not everyone fits neatly.
Stigma of having the names associated.
Describe the links seen in schizophrenia between occurrence and genetics. Explain what the fact it is not 100% in MZ twins means. (4)
1% population risk
More relatives = more risk
45% MZ twin risk
The fact it’s not 100% shows there are environmental factors that play a part too.
Define anxiety. (1)
A feeling of worry, nervousness or unease with an uncertain outcome.
Describe 8 symptoms of anxiety.
Palpitations Sweating Trembling or shaking Dry mouth Difficulty breathing Chest pain or discomfort Nausea or abdominal distress (eg butterflies) Feeling dizzy, unsteady, faint or lightheaded.
Describe the stages in the stress response. (9)
Alarm - noradrenaline release from sympathetic nerves, adrenaline release from adrenal medulla, Cortisol release from the adrenal cortex.
Resistance - action of cortisol is longer lasting which allows maintenance of the stress response.
Exhaustion - prolonged stress causes continued cortisol secretion, leading to muscle wastage, hyperglycaemia, and suppression of the immune system.
Describe the aetiology of anxiety disorders. (3)
Generally unknown.
GABA (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter) is low, as is seratonin - these might contribute.
Describe four treatments of anxiety disorders. (9)
SSRIs - to increase seratonin
Benzodiazepines - increase GABA transmission but not good for more than 2 weeks due to addiction.
Pregabalin - GABA analogue that increases GABA transmission
CBT - analyse thoughts,
Describe OCD.
Symptoms (2)
Cause (1)
Treatments (3)
A balance between obsessions (a thought that dominates past the point of usefulness) and compulsions (obsessional motor acts often done to remove the power of the obsessions).
Caused by re-entry loops in the basal ganglia, and reduced serotonin.
Treated with high dose SSRIs, antipsychotics or deep brain stimulation.
Describe PTSD.
Pathophysiology (1)
Cause (1)
Treatment (2)
Repetitive, intrusive recollections of an event of exceptional trauma.
Caused by hyperactivity of the amygdala causing an exaggerated response to a perceived threat.
Treated with anxiety medications and CBT.
Describe the diagnostic criteria for depression. (4)
Two of low mood, lack of energy and lack of enjoyment consistently for two weeks.
Describe differences between an adjustment reaction and depression in terms of: Time period Onset speed Interest levels Energy levels Sleep changes Appetite changes Common associated feelings.
Time limited (AR) - Over 2 weeks (D)
Suddenly - gradually
Pre-occupation with the event - lack of interest in anything
Energy not low - energy low
No pattern to sleep disturbances - sleep disturbance
Reduced or increased appetite - reduced appetite and weight loss.
Anger or frustration - low self esteem, guilt or blame.
Describe symptoms of mania. (9)
Elevated mood Increased energy Pressure of speech (fast talking) Reduced sleep Flight of ideas (changing mind fast) Loss of normal social inhibitions Inflated self esteem. Psychotic symptoms possible Lasts over 1 week.
