Extra sign up session - Depression and alcohol Flashcards
Depression is linked to what that should be looked for whilst taking a history from a person who you suspect to be depressed?
Anxiety
What is a rough rule to work out the severity of a mental health issue?
Increased number of symptoms = increased severity
Duration
Time of day/year (diurnal or seasonal variation)
Effects on psychological functioning
Witness statement e.g. relatives
How long does depression have to occur for it to be classed as depression?
> 2 weeks
When doing a mental health examination, what should be commented on/looked for? What is the mnemonic to remember this?
Appearance and Behaviour
Speech - what and how they speak
Mood
Thought form - how the patient is thinking (structure)
Thought content - i.e. suicidal thoughts, dilusions
Perceptions - i.e. hallucinations
Insight - do they know they have a mental illness
IQ - cognitive assessment (AMTS, CAGE)
All Sane Men Think That Pizza Is Italian
What is meant by the term concrete thoughts?
Not being to understand metaphors
Common is schizophrenics
What can sometimes present in severe depression that is not a common presentation of depression?
pyschosis
What are the different categories of presentation of depression with examples? And what is the mnemonic used to remember this?
Social - e.g. withdrawal
Physical - e.g. constipation, fatigue, low mood
Intellectual - thoughts
Emotional - e.g. swinging mood, sadness
Spiritual - low self esteem, self harm, guilt
Suicide screen
SPIES(S)
What is a brief rule in regards to sleeping habits in depression and anxiety?
Cannot get to sleep = anxiety
Waking up early = depression
What is the safe consumption of alcohol recommendation in the UK for men and woman?
Less that 14 units per week
How do you calculate the number of units in a drink?
ml x vol (%)/1000
What does CAGE stand for and what would you ask a patient to find out the answers to these?
Cut down - have you ever tried to reduce your drinking?
Angry - do you ever get angry when challenged about how much you drink?
Guilt - do you ever after drinking feel guilty for how much you drank or anything you did because of drinking?
Eye opener - do you drink in the morning?
How much do you have to score to be classed as alcohol dependant on the CAGE test?
2/4
