Suicide/Self harm - 104

Question 0

Patient has taken an overdose and presents in a state of drowsiness bordering on coma with ataxia. What drug have they taken?

Answer 0

Benzodiazepines, e.g. diazepam.

Question 1

What is the antidote for benzodiazepine poisoning? Are there any risks with it?

Answer 1

Flumazenil. Short t1/2 - risk of re-sedation.

Question 2

What is the antidote for TCA poisoning?

Answer 2

There isn’t one!

Question 3

Patient presents with mydriasis, coma, hypothermia and hypertonia. What have they taken?

Answer 3

TCAs - e.g amitryptiline.

Question 4

Patient presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and anorexia. What drug have they taken and what is the antidote?

Answer 4

Paracetamol.

N-acetyl cysteine.

Question 5

Patient is in a coma, has miosis and is bradycardic. What have they taken and what is the antidote? Is there a risk to this?

Answer 5

Opioids

Naloxone - short t1/2, risk of re-sedation.

Question 6

What is glucagon the antidote for?

Answer 6

B-blockers

Question 7

What can ipecac be used for?

Answer 7

Forced emesis.

Question 8

What is the cognitive behavioural theory for depression? (Wensel and Beck)

Answer 8

Someone has polarised thinking but is also depressed with negative personal views etc. The more negative thoughts, the more depressed someone is.

Question 9

What does Durkheim’s theory of depression state reasons for suicide are?

Answer 9

Egoistic, altrusitic, anomic (social isolation) and fatalistic (no choice).