Psychiatry Medications Flashcards
What is the recommended duration of continuation-phase treatment for patients with remitted single-episode, unipolar major depression?
6 months
This recommendation is based on multiple evidence-based treatment guidelines.
What is the purpose of continuation-phase treatment in major depression?
To decrease the risk of depressive relapse
Continuation-phase treatment is specifically for patients who have achieved remission.
What should be done with the dose of antidepressants during continuation-phase treatment?
The dose should be maintained at the level at which remission was achieved
It is important not to reduce the dose.
True or False: The dose that gets the patient well is the same dose that keeps the patient well.
True
This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining the effective dose.
Maintenance-phase treatment is defined as continuing antidepressant medication past the initial continuation-phase treatment. This lasts ______ (unit of time)
Maintenance for 1-3 years is appropriate for patients with a high risk of recurrence (eg, ≥2 episodes, persistent residual depressive symptoms)
Patients with a history of highly recurrent major depressive disorder (≥3 lifetime depressive episodes), chronic episodes (≥2 years), strong family history, or severe episodes (eg, suicide attempt) should _________________________ (how long on antidepressants?)
continue maintenance treatment indefinitely
_________ ________ disorder is diagnosed in older children who exhibit extreme and persistent anxiety with separation and excessive worry about losing major attachment figures.
Separation anxiety
>2 years old
What is major depressive disorder with psychotic features?
A severe subtype of unipolar major depression characterized by an episode of major depression accompanied by delusions and/or hallucinations
Typically, the delusions or hallucinations have depressive themes.
What is the pharmacologic treatment for performance-only social anxiety disorder?
As-needed beta blockers or benzodiazepines rather than maintenance medication
Maintenance medication is not indicated for this condition.
Which beta blocker is commonly used for performance-only social anxiety disorder?
Propranolol
Propranolol is used on an as-needed basis to control autonomic responses.
What autonomic responses do beta blockers help control?
Tremors, tachycardia, diaphoresis
These symptoms are often associated with anxiety.
Why are benzodiazepines generally avoided in certain patients?
Due to their addictive potential
Patients with a personal or family history of substance use disorder are particularly at risk.
When are benzodiazepines not preferred for use?
When performance could be impaired by sedation and cognitive side effects
This includes situations where focus and clarity are critical.
What are the potential cognitive side effects of benzodiazepines?
Sedation and impaired cognitive function
These effects can hinder performance in anxiety-inducing situations.
What are the common components of the basic medical workup for new-onset psychosis?
Complete physical and mental status examinations, metabolic panel, complete blood cell count, urine toxicology screen
These components help assess the overall health and potential underlying causes of psychosis.
What additional tests may be included in the workup for new-onset psychosis?
Tests for syphilis, HIV, vitamin B12 level, thyroid function, antinuclear antibodies, neuroimaging
These tests may be ordered based on specific findings and risk factors.
True or False: Substance-induced psychosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all patients with acute psychosis.
True
Substance-induced psychosis can often mimic other psychiatric disorders.
What is the role of urine toxicology screen in the workup for psychosis?
To detect substance use that may contribute to psychotic symptoms
This helps differentiate between substance-induced and primary psychotic disorders.
What is the purpose of neuroimaging in the evaluation of new-onset psychosis?
To identify structural or functional brain abnormalities
Neuroimaging can provide insights into potential neurological causes of psychosis.
