Behavioral Flashcards
(33 cards)
What are the hallmark symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Excessive worry for >6 months, difficulty controlling the worry, and associated symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
How is panic disorder differentiated from generalized anxiety disorder?
Panic disorder involves sudden, recurrent panic attacks with autonomic symptoms (chest pain, dizziness, sweating, fear of dying), while GAD is chronic and persistent.
What are the first-line treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram); benzodiazepines can be used short-term but are not first-line.
What are the four symptom clusters of PTSD?
Intrusions (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance (avoiding reminders of trauma), negative alterations in cognition/mood, and hyperarousal (hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response).
How is acute stress disorder different from PTSD?
Acute stress disorder lasts <1 month, while PTSD persists >1 month.
What are the evidence-based treatments for PTSD?
Trauma-focused CBT, prolonged exposure therapy, and SSRIs/SNRIs; prazosin is used for nightmares.
What are the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder?
At least 5 of the following symptoms for ≥2 weeks: Depressed mood, anhedonia, weight/appetite changes, sleep disturbances, psychomotor changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts.
What is the difference between MDD and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?
MDD has episodic major depressive episodes, while persistent depressive disorder has chronic, milder depression for ≥2 years.
What are first-line treatment options for MDD?
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications.
What are the strongest risk factors for suicide?
Prior suicide attempt, mental illness (especially depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), substance abuse, access to firearms, and lack of social support.
What is the mnemonic SAD PERSONS used for?
Suicide risk assessment: Sex (male), Age (<19 or >45), Depression, Previous attempt, Ethanol use, Rational thinking loss, Social support lacking, Organized plan, No spouse, Sickness.
What is the emergency management of a suicidal patient with an active plan?
Immediate psychiatric evaluation, hospitalization if high risk, removal of lethal means, and crisis intervention therapy.
How is adjustment disorder diagnosed?
Emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor within 3 months, causing distress or dysfunction but not meeting criteria for a major psychiatric disorder.
How does adjustment disorder differ from major depressive disorder?
Adjustment disorder is triggered by a specific stressor and resolves within 6 months of stressor resolution, while MDD is persistent, recurrent, and independent of external stressors.
What are the primary treatments for adjustment disorder?
Psychotherapy (CBT, supportive therapy); medications are rarely needed unless treating coexisting anxiety or insomnia.
What are the key features of acute stress reaction?
Dissociation, emotional numbness, hyperarousal, intrusive memories, and avoidance symptoms within hours to days after a traumatic event.
How is acute stress disorder different from PTSD?
Acute stress disorder lasts 3 days to 1 month, while PTSD persists >1 month.
What is the recommended management of acute stress reaction?
Supportive care, trauma-focused CBT, short-term anxiolytics if needed, and watchful waiting for PTSD development.
What criteria define alcohol use disorder?
Loss of control, inability to cut down, cravings, and continued use despite consequences (DSM-5 requires 2+ symptoms in 12 months).
What medications are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder?
Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram (rarely used due to adverse effects).
What behavioral therapies are effective for Alcohol use disorder?
Motivational interviewing, CBT, and 12-step programs (e.g., AA).
What is the timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
6-12 hours: Tremors, anxiety, nausea; 12-24 hours: Seizures; 24-48 hours: Hallucinations; 48-72 hours: Delirium tremens (autonomic instability, confusion, agitation).
What is the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal?
Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam), IV fluids, thiamine, magnesium.
What is the most severe complication of untreated alcohol withdrawal?
Delirium tremens (DTs), which can lead to death from autonomic instability.
