Psychiatry Pathology Flashcards
What is formication?
The sensation of ‘creep crawlies’ across the skin
In whom are olfactory hallucinations most likely?
Individuals experiencing an ‘aura’ prior to having a seizure, e.g. epileptic individuals
In whom are auditory hallucinations most likely?
Schizophrenics
What type of hallucination is formication?
Tactile
In whom are tactile hallucinations most likely?
Those experiencing delirium tremens (i.e. those in alcohol withdrawal), or in users of cocaine
What are clang associations?
A type of thinking whereby the sound of a word, rather than its meaning, provides the impetus for subsequent associations - e.g. in mania, ‘Hey man is your name Dan? Plan fans, ban pans!’
What is the difference between an illusion and a hallucination?
Illusion = misperception of REAL external stimuli, while a hallucination is a completely FALSE sensory perception (for which there is no basis)
What are Axis I disorders?
Psychiatric disorders, other than personality disorders
What are Axis IV disorders?
Those caused by psychosocial or environmental stressors
What are Axis II disorders?
Personality disorders and mental retardation
What are Axis V disorders?
‘Global assessment of function’
What are Axis III disorders?
Pertinent medical conditions
What does primary gain mean, with regard to psychological motivators?
Refers to internal motivations. E.g. a patient unable to deal with internal psychological conflict may unconsciously convert that conflict to somatic symptoms - i.e. conversion disorder
What does secondary gain mean, with regard to psychological motivators?
Refers to external motivations. E.g. patient’s disease results in financial compensation/benefits etc.
What are the mature defence mechanisms?
- Altruism
- Humour
- Sublimation
- Suppression
What is the difference between suppression and repression?
Suppression is a mature defence mechanism, and involves an uncomfortable thought being VOLUNTARILY pushed from the conscious mind.
Repression is an immature defence mechanism, and involves an uncomfortable thought being INVOLUNTARILY excluded from one’s concious
What are the immature defence mechanisms?
1) Repression; 2) Splitting; 3) Dissociation; 4) Rationalisation; 5) Projection; 6) Isolation; 7) Identification; 8) Regression; 9) Reaction formation; 10) Fixation; 11) Displacement; 12) Denial; 13) Acting out
Give the name of a therapy commonly used in psychiatry, considered ‘somatic’:
ECT
In which neurological condition may diazepam be of particular use?
Chorea
What effect will be seen in barbiturate OD?
Respiratory depression
What is the mechanism of benzodiazepines?
Potentiate GABA-A mediated inhibition
What is the mechanism of barbiturates?
Potentiate GABA-A mediated inhibition
When may BZDs cause respiratory depression in OD (like barbiturates)?
When taken with alcohol
What drug is given to reverse BZD OD?
Flumazenil
What may happen if BSDs are reversed too quickly?
Rebound seizures
In what population should prescription of BZDs be avoided where possible?
Addicts
What are the +ve’s of buspirone over BZDs for anxiety?
- Less likely to be abused
2. Alcohol does not potentate its affect
What are the -ve’s of buspirone?
Slower onset of action
What are the classes of anxiolytics?
- BZDs; 2. Barbiturates; 3. Buspirone
What is the action of typical antipsychotics?
Antagonise dopamine D2 receptors
What are some examples of typical antipsychotics?
Haloperidol; chlorpromazine
What are the S/Es of typical antipsychotics?
EPSEs
Anti-cholinergic symptoms
NMS
What are the anticholinergic S/Es? + their mneumonic?
DRY as a bone, FULL as a flask, HOT as a hare, RED as a beet, MAD as a hatter, BLIND as a bat, the HEART runs alone, BLOATED as a toad
i.e. dry mm; urinary retention; heat intolerance, flushing, delirium, mitosis, tachy, ileus
What drug can be given for anticholinergic poisoning?
Physostigmine
What are the EPSE’s?
Parkinsonian symptoms
Tardive dyskinesia
Akasthesia
Torticollis
What drugs can be given for EPSE’s?
Benztropine
What is the mnemonic for NMS?
FEVER: Fever Enzyme (CK) elevated Vital fluctuating Encephalopathy Rigidity/renal failure
What drug can be given for NMS, and how does it work?
Dantrolene - prevents the release of Ca2+ from the ER
What is the action of atypical antipsychotics?
Antagonize dopamine D2 + serotonin 5-HT2 receptors
What are some commonly used atypical antipsychotics?
Risperidone; olanziprine; aripiprazole; clozapine
What are the S/Es of atypical antipsychotics?
Weight gain
Sedation
Anti-cholinergic symptoms
MILD EPSE’s
What is retrograde amnesia?
Inability to recall old memories
For how long must a patient have symptoms in order for them to be diagnosed?
> 6/12
What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?
Increase synaptic serotonin levels by inhibiting presynaptic uptake
When is serotonin syndrome most likely to occur?
When SSRIs are taken WITH MAO inhibitors
What are the common S/Es of SSRIs?
Sexual dysfunction
GI upset
(Serotonin syndrome)