Psych 101

Question 1

Serotonin syndrome vs neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer 1

Serotonin syndrome = hyperreflexia (SSRIs try to improve mood); acute within hours
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome = hyporeflexia (antipsychotics try to suppress); happens over days

Question 2

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome

Answer 2

Dilated pupils
Heavy sweating
Diarrhoea
Shivering
Headache

Question 3

Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer 3

Fever
Altered mental status
Autonomic instability
Rigidity
Elevated creatinine kinase

Question 4

Treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer 4

IV fluids
Benzodiazapine

Question 5

SSRI side effects

Answer 5

Headache
Nausea
Sleep disturbances
Sexual dysfunction

Hyponatremia
GI bleeding

Question 6

CAMHS SSRI

Answer 6

Fluoxetine

Question 7

How much SSRI to prescribe once someone is stable

Answer 7

Once a good dose has been established, the same drug for 6-12 months or 2 years if severely unwell

Question 8

TCAs side effects

Answer 8

Anti cholinergic and NA reuptake inhibition

Dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation etc

AV block
QT prolongation
ST elevation

Antihistamine SE:
Sedation
Postural hypotension
Weight gain