Psychiatry

Question 1

What is the first-line medication for mild-moderate depression?

Answer 1

Non-pharmacological first (CBT, lifestyle)

Medication if symptoms persist/severe.

Question 2

What is the standard dose for Sertraline in moderate-severe depression?

Answer 2

50mg OD, max 200mg OD

Preferred in comorbidities (e.g., post-MI, elderly).

Question 3

What is the maximum dose for Citalopram in depression?

Answer 3

40mg OD

Avoid >20mg in elderly (QT prolongation).

Question 4

For which population is Fluoxetine preferred in treating depression?

Answer 4

Young adults & teenagers

Question 5

What is the first-line medication for depression with neuropathic pain?

Answer 5

Amitriptyline

Question 6

What is the dosing range for Amitriptyline?

Answer 6

10-25mg ON, max 150mg

Question 7

What is a key consideration when prescribing Mirtazapine?

Answer 7

Causes weight gain & sedation

Question 8

How long does it typically take for SSRIs to work?

Answer 8

4-6 weeks

Question 9

What increased risk is associated with SSRIs in the first few weeks?

Answer 9

Increased suicide risk

Question 10

What should be done to avoid withdrawal symptoms from SSRIs?

Answer 10

Taper off gradually

Question 11

True or False: SSRIs should be avoided with NSAIDs or anticoagulants.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What is the first-line medication for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Answer 12

Sertraline

Question 13

What is the maximum dose for Escitalopram?

Answer 13

20mg OD

Question 14

What is the preferred medication for short-term relief of severe anxiety?

Answer 14

Propranolol

Question 15

What is the maximum dose for Diazepam for short-term severe distress?

Answer 15

2-5mg TDS PRN

Question 16

What is a key consideration for the use of benzodiazepines?

Answer 16

Risk of addiction & withdrawal

Question 17

What is the first-line medication for acute mania in bipolar disorder?

Answer 17

Lithium

Question 18

What is the therapeutic plasma target for Lithium?

Answer 18

0.6-1.0mmol/L

Question 19

What should be monitored regularly when prescribing Lithium?

Answer 19

TFTs, U&Es, lithium levels

Question 20

What is the maximum dose for Valproate in bipolar disorder?

Answer 20

2g

Question 21

What is a key consideration when prescribing Valproate?

Answer 21

Avoid in pregnancy (teratogenic)

Question 22

What is the starting dose for Lamotrigine in bipolar depression?

Answer 22

25mg OD

Question 23

What is a key consideration for prescribing antipsychotics?

Answer 23

Monitor metabolic side effects (weight, glucose, lipids)

Question 24

What is the first-line medication for acute psychotic episodes?

Answer 24

Olanzapine

Question 25

What is the maximum dose for Haloperidol?

Answer 25

20mg

Question 26

What is the primary risk associated with Clozapine?

Answer 26

Agranulocytosis risk

Question 27

What is the first-line medication for mild-moderate acute behavioral disturbance?

Answer 27

Lorazepam (oral)

Question 28

What combination is used for severe acute behavioral disturbance?

Answer 28

Haloperidol + Promethazine (IM)

Question 29

What is the maximum dose for Zopiclone in short-term insomnia?

Answer 29

7.5mg ON

Question 30

What is a key consideration when prescribing hypnotics?

Answer 30

Avoid long-term use of hypnotics – risk of dependence

Question 31

What is the recommended approach for short-term anxiety management?

Answer 31

SSRIs preferred for long-term anxiety management

Question 32

What is the first-line approach for insomnia?

Answer 32

Non-drug approaches – good sleep hygiene