Psychiatry Flashcards
True statements regarding the epidemiology of schizophrenia:
1) Lifetime prevalence is around 1%.
2) Onset in males occurs typically between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
3) Onset in females occurs typically between the ages of 25 and 35 years.
4) Besides smoking, the most prevalent comorbid disorder is alcohol dependence.
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
E) all of the answers are correct
True statements regarding the epidemiology of anxiety disorders:
1) Lifetime prevalence of panic attacks in mental disorders other than panic disorder is app. 10%.
2) Agoraphobia is more common in females.
3) Social phobia is the most common type of phobias.
4) Agoraphobia is associated with panic disorder in all cases.
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
Match the names with the descriptions!
A) Avshalom Caspi
B) Ugo Cerletti
C) Aaron T. Beck
D) Emil Kraepelin
E) Carl Rogers
PSY - 1.7.1 - Used the term dementia precox for the description of schizophrenia.
PSY - 1.7.2 - Developed the cognitive theory and therapy of depression.
PSY - 1.7.3 - Developed the client-centered therapy.
PSY - 1.7.4 - Was the first who used electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
PSY - 1.7.5 - Was the first who described the role of gene-environmental interaction in the development of depression.
PSY - 1.7.1 - Used the term dementia precox for the description of schizophrenia. - D)
PSY - 1.7.2 - Developed the cognitive theory and therapy of depression. - C)
PSY - 1.7.3 - Developed the client-centered therapy. - E)
PSY - 1.7.4 - Was the first who used electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). - B)
PSY - 1.7.5 - Was the first who described the role of gene-environmental interaction in the development of depression. -A)
Misbehaviour(s) of doctors is/are:
1) identification instead of empathy
2) projection of their personal feelings onto the patient, establishment of an emotional relationship - with its ethical and legal consequences
3) treatment of the patient as an impersonal medical case because of the lack of empathy
4) balancing between confidentiality and objectivity
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
the right medical behaviour is based on the equilibrium of confidentiality and professionalism, while the impersonalization or identification with the patient is faulty. Doctors should not get involved with patients in emotional relationships; in addition this has legal and ethical consequences.
Differential diagnosis of aphasias:
1) Individuals with expressive aphasia are able to understand speech, but they have disordered speech (with great effort they might produce fragmented speech)
2) In receptive aphasia the disordered understanding of speech dominates (the person does not understand his own or other’s speech)
3) In conduction aphasia spontaneous speech is intact, but the patient is unable to repeat sentences.
4) Transcortical aphasia disables spontaneous speech, but they have an urge to repeat speech (echolalia)
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
E) all of the answers are correct
EXPLANATIONIndividuals with expressive aphasia are able to understand speech, but they have disordered speech because of the motoric disorder. In receptive aphasia the disordered understanding of speech dominates. In conduction aphasia spontaneous speech is intact, but the patient is unable to repeat sentences. Transcortical aphasia disables spontaneous speech, but they have echolalia.
A 27-year-old female is referred to the outpatient unit with breathing difficulty, dizziness and numb limbs without any organic reasons. What do you think her diagnosis is?A) situative reaction B) endogenous anxiety C) caffeine intoxication D) hyperventilation syndrome E) posttraumatic stress disorder
ANSWER
D) hyperventilation syndrome
EXPLANATIONShortness of breath with dizziness and numb limbs indicates hyperventilation syndrome.
PSY - 2.16
EEG spectrum:
1) delta band is of 0.5-3.5 Hz, it is predominant in deep sleep, it is physiological until the age of 1-2 years, it might indicate frontal hypoactivity in adults in wake states
2) alpha band of 8-12 Hz, this is the baseline rhythm in adults, it correlates with the temporal coordination of information processing, it signals the activity of thalamo-cortical circuitry and it is inhibited stimuli are present
3) theta band is of 4.0-7.5 Hz, it is predominant in REM sleep, it is physiological at the ages of 1-6 years, it can occur during hypnosis and meditation, it indicates frontal and hippocampal hyperactivation in a wake state
4) gamma band is above 35 Hz and it indicates neuronal synchronization, it can also be connected to the framing of information elements and consciousness functions, therefore this band is important in understanding the neuropsychiatric disorders
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
Brain imaging methods:
1) SPECT: radioactive method
2) fMRI: is based on magnetic resonance
3) PET: radioactive method
4) CT: radioactive method
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
CT is not a radioactive method; it is an X-ray type method
Which is/are true for MRI?
1) white and gray matter are well distinguishable
2) a high-frequency radio transmitter allocates energy into the nuclei of the body placed into the static magnetic field.
3) the radiation coming from the relaxing nuclei is detected by a radio receiver
4) it is based on the proton magnetization transfer effect of the transmission ionizing radiation
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
MRI does not use transmission radiation, the others are true
Transcranial stimulation
1) TMS is a transcranial stimulation method using an alternating magnetic field in a copper ring placed on the cranium
2) TDCS is a transcranial stimulation method, which is direct current-operated and in which electrodes are applied onto the scalp
3) the therapeutic employment of TMS is currently most accepted in depression
4) during TMS and TDCS the activity of neurons change for a short time (10-0 minutes) in the depth of 2-4 cm
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
E) all of the answers are correct
The sign(s) of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome during antipsychotic medication is/are:
1) progrediating disorientation + akinesia and stiffness of muscles
2) fever, hyperpyrexia + vegetative instability (instable blood pressure, tachycardia, excessive sweating, salivation)
3) increased CPK
4) leucocytosis, increased depression, high liver enzyme rates
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
In case of emergency care of acute alcohol intoxication:
1) the most important is to measure the blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
2) BAC serves as an objective indicator for the intensity of necessary treatment
3) above 65.1 mmol/l (3.0‰) BAC there is an increased risk for respiratory depression or arrest
4) BAC level of 30-40 mmol/l indicates a moderately serious intoxication
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
WAIS:
1) is the abbreviation of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
2) has two main factors: verbal and performance IQ
3) the level of intelligence measured by it predicts the level of life competence
4) it is a personality test
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
WAIS is an indirect indicator of life competence, it has two main factors - verbal and performance IQ - and it is a performance test, not a personality measurement
Which is/are (a) personality test(s)?
1) Rorschach probe
2) BPRS
3) MMPI
4) Raven matrices
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Rorschach probe is a projective test, MMPI is a personality inventory, BPRS is a clinical rating scale, and Raven matrices measure intellectual performance
Dementias might be assessed with:
1) WAIS for the assessment of the level of cognitive deficit
2) Clock Drawing Test, which is an early screening test
3) MMSE, which is a complex test for the assessment of the severity of the syndrome
4) Szondi probe for the assessment of personality changes
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Szondi test is a projective personality test and it is not appropriate for assessing dementias, MMSE and the Clock Drawing Test are dementia screening tools, the WAIS signals the level of cognitive declinev
Questionnaires for the assessment of the severity of depressive symptoms are:
1) Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
2) Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
3) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
4) Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
HAM-D and MADRS are depression rating scales filled in by the examiner, BDI is a self-rating depression scale and PANSS serves for the assessment of the positive, negative and global symptoms of schizophrenia
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
1) measures the severity of depression.
2) has diagnostic purposes.
3) is suitable to follow-up status.
4) is a self-rating scale.
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
HAM-D is a depression rating scales filled in by the examiner, it is not a diagnostic tool, and it measures the severity of the symptoms which makes it suitable for follow-up
Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS)
1) is for the diagnostics of OCD
2) assess the severity of OCD
3) is a self-rating scale
4) is suitable to follow-up the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
EXPLANATION
YBOCS is an examiner-rated scale for OCD, it is not a diagnostic tool, and it measures the severity of the symptoms which makes it suitable for follow-up
Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS)
1) assesses the severity of schizophrenia
2) is not suitable for the diagnosis of schizophrenia
3) is suitable to follow-up the severity of the symptoms of schizophrenia
4) is a semi-structured interview filled in by the doctor
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
EXPLANATION
PANSS serves for the assessment of the positive, negative and global symptoms of schizophrenia, the examiner scores it based on a semi-structured interview, it is not a diagnostic tool, and it measures the severity of the symptoms which makes it suitable for follow-up
A patient starts to cry without any reason. The phenomenon can be: A) Blunted affect B) Anhedonia C) Anxiety D) Emotional incontinence E) Alexithymia
ANSWER
D) Emotional incontinence
EXPLANATION
Emotional incontinence is typical in old patients with dementia
Hallucination is a symptom of: A) Thinking B) Sensorium C) Attention D) Perception E) Mood
D) Perception
EXPLANATION
Hallucination and illusion are symptoms of perception
The most important characteristic of psychosis is: A) Thought disorder B) Schizophrenia C) Bipolar affective disorder D) Disturbed reality-testing E) Hostility
D) Disturbed reality-testing
EXPLANATION
The essence of psychosis is the disturbed reality-testing due to symptoms
An old, confused patient is admitted to the hospital. When the doctor asks ’How old are you‘, he answers: ’70 years‘. The doctor asks ’Where are we now?’, the patient answers: ’70 years’. How is this phenomenon called? A) Coprolalia B) Rumination C) Compulsion D) Perseveration E) Echolalia
D) Perseveration
EXPLANATION
Perseveration is a sign of organic brain disease.
Which is not true about alexithymia?
A) The term was coined by Sifneos
B) It was originally introduced to describe psychosomatic disorders
C) It is characterized by the verbal expression of emotions
D) It is associated with somatoform disorders and substance abuse disorders
ANSWERC) It is characterized by the verbal expression of emotions
EXPLANATION
Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties in expressing and verbalizing emotions.
All of the following are examples of symptoms of the form of thinking, except:
A) Delusion
B) Flight of ideas
C) Logorrhea
ANSWER
A) Delusion
EXPLANATION
Delusion is a symptom of the content of thinking
A female patient has a delusion that his boss loves her, the symptom is A) Erotic delusion B) Erotomania C) Transitivism D) None of the above
ANSWER
B) Erotomania
EXPLANATION
Erotomania is also called as De Clérambault symptom
In psychotic depression the patient delusionally believes that he is not alive. The name of the symptom is: A) Nihilistic delusion B) Anxiety C) Horror vacui D) None of the above
A) Nihilistic delusion
EXPLANATION
Nihilistic delusions arealso called Cotard symptom.
The hallucinatory voices instruct the patient to do something, the name of the symptom is: A) Delusion of influence B) Command hallucination C) Somatic hallucinations D) None of the above
B) Command hallucination
EXPLANATION
Command hallucinations can lead to suicide or homicide
Delusion of infestation is also known as: A) Capgras symptom B) Ekbom symptom C) Cotard symptom D) None of the above
B) Ekbom symptom
EXPLANATION
Delusion of infestation or delusion of parasitosis is called Ekbom symptom.
Ganser syndrome is commonly seen in:A) Schizophrenia B) Mania C) Pick disease D) Learning disabilities E) Prisoners awaiting trial
ANSWER
E) Prisoners awaiting trial
EXPLANATION
In Ganser syndrome approximate answers, clouding of consciousness with disorientation, severe emotional stress, pseudohallucinations and amnesia are present.
The patient in stupor spits out the food, the name of the symptom is: A) Passive negativism B) Pica C) Active negativism D) Rumination
ANSWER
C) Active negativism
EXPLANATION
This phenomenon is a typical example of active negativism
Abstract thinking can be examined by the: A) Interpretation of proverbs B) Ziehen probe C) Bourdon probe D) None of the above
ANSWER
A) Interpretation of proverbs
EXPLANATION
By the correct interpretation of proverbs the metaphorical level of an expression can be captured.
The patient has a delusion that his mother is replaced by a double. The name of the symptom is: A) Frégoli symptom B) Cotard symptom C) Capgras symptom D) De Clérambault symptom
ANSWER
C) Capgras symptom
EXPLANATION
The delusion of the double is called the Capgras symptom after the French psychiatrist, Capgras.
Symptom related to perception:
1) Delusion
2) Obsession
3) Compulsion
4) Hallucination
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
D) only the 4th answer is correct
EXPLANATION
Only hallucination belongs to perceptual disturbances
Which of the following is associated with pseudologia fantastica?
1) Untruthful statements
2) Grandiosity
3) Histrionic personality disorder
4) No evidence of organic illness
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Pseudolgia fantastica means pathological lying
Clouding of consciousness is characterized by a disturbance in the following areas:
1) Attention
2) Perception
3) Orientation
4) Memory
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
A patient who believes that strangers are actually close relatives in disguise is having which of the following? A) Capgras syndrome B) Ekbom syndrome C) Frégoli syndrome D) Persecutory delusions
ANSWER
C) Frégoli syndrome
EXPLANATIONFalse identification of strangers as familiar people occurs in Frégoli syndrome.
Which of the following is not a motor disorder seen in schizophrenia? A) Catatonia B) Cataplexy C) Negativism D) Waxy flexibility E) Automatic obedience
ANSWER
B) Cataplexy
EXPLANATION
Cataplexy is seen in narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, in which the subject falls down because of a sudden loss of muscle tone provoked by strong emotions.
Clouding of consciousness is characterized by a disturbance in all of the following areas, except: A) Mood B) Attention C) Concentration D) Memory E) Orientation
ANSWER
A) Mood
Which of the following is not a mood-congruent delusion in depression? A) Delusion of guilt B) Delusion of control C) Delusion of poverty D) Nihilist delusion
ANSWER
B) Delusion of control
EXPLANATION
Delusion of control is a passivity phenomenon seen in schizophrenia.
A 64-year-old man admitted to the ward has the delusion that all his wealth has been gone. He also believes that his organs are decaying. The most probable diagnosis is: A) Cotard syndrome B) Nihilistic delusions C) Capgras syndrome D) Frégoli syndrome E) Münchausen syndrome
ANSWER
A) Cotard syndrome
A tendency to produce erroneous material to fill in the gaps on being questioned about past events is known as: A) Delusion B) Amnesia C) Confabulation D) None of the above
ANSWER
C) Confabulation
EXPLANATION
Confabulation is seen in Korsakoffâs syndrome.
Which of the following is not a disorder of perception? A) Distractibility B) Illusions C) Pseudohallucinations D) Macropsia E) Somatic hallucination
ANSWER
A) Distractibility
EXPLANATION
Abnormal perception includes sensory distortion and false perception.
Bleuler's 4 A's exclude A) Ambivalence B) Blunting of affect C) Loosening of associations D) Altruism E) Autism
ANSWER
D) Altruism
EXPLANATION
Altruism is not part of the 4 A’s
Disorientation is commonly associated with:
A) Acute and transient psychotic disorder
B) Organic delusional disorder
C) Alcohol withdrawal delirium
D) Alcoholic hallucinosis
ANSWER
C) Alcohol withdrawal delirium
EXPLANATION
Disorientation, visual hallucinations, tremor are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal delirium.
Which of the following is not an illusion? A) Macropsia B) Pareidolia C) Dysmegalopsia D) Micropsia E) Misinterpretation
ANSWER
E) Misinterpretation
EXPLANATION
Misinterpretation means simply making a mistake.
All of the following statements are true about confabulation, except:
A) It is a falsification of memory occurring in clear consciousness
B) It is usually associated with organic brain damage
C) It is seen only in Korsakoffâs syndrome
D) Suggestibility is a common feature associated with it
ANSWER
C) It is seen only in Korsakoffâs syndrome
EXPLANATION
Although it is commonly seen in Korsakoffâs syndrome, it is not the only condition in which confabulation is seen.
Indications for anxiolytics include:
1) Generalized anxiety disorder
2) Panic disorder
3) Agoraphobia
4) Anxiety in depression
5) Autism
6) Agitation related to psychosis
7) Schizophrenia
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th answers are correct
C) only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th answers are correct
D) only the1st, 4th, 6th and 7th answers are correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
B) only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Benzodiazepines are regularly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms and/or agitation related to other mental disorders. They are not indicated for the treatment of the primary symptoms of autism or schizophrenia.
Pharmacological agents not recommended for the long-term treatment of anxiety:
1) Antipsychotics
2) Barbiturates
3) Beta blockers
4) Partial agonists of 5-HT1A receptors
5) High-potency benzodiazepines
6) Dual-action antidepressants
7) SSRI antidepressants
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th answers are correct
C) only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th answers are correct
D) only the1st, 4th, 6th and 7th answers are correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Antipsychotics have no specific anxiolytic effect. Barbiturates are out of use due to their hepatotoxic effect and high abuse potential. Beta blockers have indication only for the treatment of occasional social phobia.
Match the following characteristics with a benzodiazepine: A) clonazepam B) midazolam C) both of the above D) none of the above
PSY - 5.4.1 - its antagonist is flumazenil
PSY - 5.4.2 - its elimination half-life is app. 30-40 hours
PSY - 5.4.3 - high-potency benzodiazepine
PSY - 5.4.4 - indicated for the treatment of depression
PSY - 5.4.5 - indicated for the short-term treatment (max. 2 weeks) of severe insomnia
ANSWER
PSY - 5.4.1 - its antagonist is flumazenil - C)
PSY - 5.4.2 - its elimination half-life is app. 30-40 hours - A)
PSY - 5.4.3 - high-potency benzodiazepine - A)
PSY - 5.4.4 - indicated for the treatment of depression - D)
PSY - 5.4.5 - indicated for the short-term treatment (max. 2 weeks) of severe insomnia -B)
Which of the following treatment options would you use in this case?A 35-year-old woman has been taking 0.5 mg alprazolam 3 times a day for her anxiety symptoms for 3 months. As she has recovered and fears that becomes dependent, stops taking medication. Then, anxiety symptoms come back in a more severe form and sleep disturbances occur.
1) Readministration of the original dose of alprazolam and then slow dose reduction (10-25% weekly).
2) Switch to another benzodiazepine with longer elimination half-life (e.g. clonazepam) and then slow dose reduction.
3) Psychoeducation and teaching of relaxing methods (e.g. autogenic training).
4) Readministration of alprazolam and initiation of an SSRI or dual-action antidepressant for the long-term treatment of anxiety disorder and then slow dose reduction and discontinuation of benzodiazepine.
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
EXPLANATION
As it is rebound phenomenon, the initiation of long-term treatment is not indicated. Rebound symptoms can be prevented with slower dose reduction or the administration of another agent with longer half-life. Relaxing methods can help to reduce the present symptoms. Psychoeducation can help the patient to know the effective use and the risks of sudden discontinuation of a medication.
Therapeutic blood concentration of lithium: A) 0.1-0.2 mmol/l B) 0.2-0.3 mmol/l C) 0.5-1.0 mmol/l D) 1.5-2.0 mmol/l E) 2.0-3.0 mmol/l
ANSWER
C) 0.5-1.0 mmol/l
EXPLANATION
The therapeutic concentration of lithium is in the range of 0.5-1.0 mmol/l, below this level it is ineffective, and above this it is toxic.
Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI):
1) delirium
2) sexual dysfunction (late ejaculation, anorgasmia)
3) epileptic seizures
4) nausea
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
EXPLANATION
delirium and epileptic seizures are very severe adverse events which don’t occur due to SSRI treatment. Sexual dysfunction and nausea are typical, less severe side effects.
Contraindication(s) of lithium:
1) simultaneous antipsychotic treatment
2) hypothyroidism
3) psychotic symptoms
4) renal failure
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Psychotic symptoms and antipsychotic treatment are not contraindications; patients treated with lithium often are characterized by these conditions. Hypothyroidism and renal failure can be chronic side effects of lithium treatment, and lead to additional somatic symptoms. Pre-existing renal failure would lead to toxic lithium doses.
Which of the following pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments can elicit depressed mood as a side-effect?
1) interferon-alpha treatment
2) oral anticoncipient treatment
3) high dose steroid treatment
4) deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disorder
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
EXPLANATION
All of these treatments can result in depressed mood as a side effect.
In which psychiatric disorders have been antidepressants (tricyclics and MAO inhibitors) shown to be efficacious?
1) bulimia
2) chronic pain syndrome
3) anxiety disorders
4) atypical depression
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
EXPLANATION
Antidepressant drugs have shown efficacy in all of these disorders; bulimia, chronic pain syndromes, anxiety disorders, and atypical depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) molecules have less severe side effects than most of the classic antidepressants, except in the case of:
1) delirium
2) blurred vision
3) dry mouth
4) hypotension
5) dysuria
A) only the 1st, 3rd and 5th answers are correct
B) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
C) all of the answers are correct
D) none of the answers is correct
ANSWER
D) none of the answers is correct
EXPLANATION
SSRIs hardly have any side effects, apart from the side effects related to serotonin (nausea, sexual dysfunction, paraesthesia). Compared to tricyclics they only block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and alpha1 adrenergic receptors to a very small extent, therefore they don’t cause delirium, cognitive dysfunction, blurred vision, dry mouth, dysuria, or orthostatic hypotension.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants have been shown to be effective in these psychiatric disorders:
1) bulimia
2) affective disorders
3) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
4) panic disorder
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
ANSWER
E) all of the answers are correct
EXPLANATION
SSRI antidepressants show effectiveness not only in affective disorders, but also in bulimia, OCD, and other anxiety disorders, like panic disorder. The dysregulation of serotonin has been implicated in all of these disorders.
Which of the following side effects are not typical for treatment with tricyclic antidepressants?
1) dry mouth
2) action tremor
3) obstipation
4) extrapyramidal movement disorders (dystonia, resting tremor, rigidity)
A) only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd answers are correct
B) only the 1st and 3rd answers are correct
C) only the 2nd and 4th answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
E) all of the answers are correct
D) only the 4th answer is correct
EXPLANATION
Tricyclic antidepressants have no major effect on the dopaminergic pathways; therefore they cause extrapyramidal side effects very rarely.