Other Flashcards
(55 cards)
What is phenomenology in psychiatry?
It is the study and classification of patients’ subjective experiences, particularly mental symptoms, to understand and describe psychopathology.
Why is phenomenology important in psychiatric assessment?
It helps clinicians identify, categorise, and differentiate psychopathological symptoms, supporting accurate diagnosis and empathetic understanding.
What is a “first-rank symptom” of schizophrenia?
A symptom particularly characteristic of schizophrenia, such as auditory hallucinations commenting on behaviour or thought insertion.
Define ‘delusion’.
A fixed, false belief that is not amenable to reason or contradictory evidence and is not in keeping with cultural norms.
What is the difference between a hallucination and an illusion?
A hallucination is a perception in the absence of external stimulus; an illusion is a misperception of a real external stimulus.
What is thought broadcasting?
The belief that one’s thoughts are being broadcast and can be heard by others.
What is ‘overvalued idea’?
A strongly held belief that dominates a person’s life but is not delusional and can be discussed rationally.
What are the main types of hallucinations?
Auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, gustatory.
What is ‘thought blocking’?
A sudden interruption in the flow of thought, often reported as the mind going blank.
Define ‘loosening of associations’.
A pattern of speech in which ideas shift from one subject to another in a disorganised or illogical way.
What is the difference between mood and affect?
Mood is the sustained emotional state experienced internally; affect is the outward expression of emotion.
What is ‘insight’ in psychiatric assessment?
The patient’s awareness and understanding of their illness, symptoms, and need for treatment.
What does lack of insight imply in schizophrenia?
It often contributes to poor treatment adherence and is associated with poorer prognosis.
What constitutes a psychiatric emergency?
An acute disturbance in thought, behaviour, mood, or social relationship requiring immediate intervention to prevent harm to self or others.
Name five common psychiatric emergencies.
Suicidal ideation or attempt, acute psychosis, violent/aggressive behaviour, severe self-neglect, and delirium.
What psychiatric condition carries the highest risk of suicide?
Depression, especially with comorbid substance misuse and previous suicide attempt.
What are red flags in a suicidal patient?
Hopelessness, recent loss, detailed suicide plan, previous attempt, and no support system.
What are the hallmarks of acute psychosis in an emergency setting?
Delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, impaired insight, and poor reality testing.
What is the first step in assessing a psychiatric emergency?
Ensure safety of the patient, staff, and others, followed by a quick mental state exam and risk assessment.
What tool is commonly used to assess agitation and sedation levels?
The RASS – Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.
How is acute agitation managed pharmacologically
Oral lorazepam or haloperidol; if oral is refused, IM preparations can be used under rapid tranquilisation protocols.
What must be done before administering IM medication for rapid tranquilisation?
Baseline physical observations including heart rate, respiratory rate, BP, O2 sats, and ECG if antipsychotics are considered.
How do you manage an acutely suicidal patient?
Ensure immediate safety, constant supervision, remove means of self-harm, mental health assessment, and consider inpatient admission.
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
A rare, life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics with hyperthermia, rigidity, autonomic instability, and raised CK.
