Psychiatry

Question 1

What is globus sensation?

Answer 1

Globus sensation, also known as globus hystericus or globus pharyngeus, is the feeling of a foreign body, tightness, or fullness in the throat without any actual obstruction. It often worsens when swallowing saliva but may improve with food or liquids. It is a functional esophageal disorder, meaning there is no structural or motility abnormality. Although commonly linked to anxiety or psychological stress, it can occur in individuals without emotional symptoms.

Globus is typically intermittent and not associated with dysphagia, vocal changes, or systemic symptoms like weight loss—if these are present, another diagnosis should be considered.

Question 2

Benzodiazepene common side effects

Answer 2

Confusion, ataxia and syncope

Question 3

Name and describe 4 mature defense mechanisms

Answer 3

Question 4

Name and describe 10 immature defense mechanisms

Answer 4

Question 5

What is the key difference between acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer 5

The main distinction lies in duration. Acute stress disorder lasts ≥3 days but ≤1 month following exposure to a traumatic event. If symptoms persist for more than 1 month, the diagnosis changes to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both conditions share similar symptoms, including intrusion (e.g., nightmares), avoidance, negative mood, arousal, and dissociation, but the 1-month mark is the diagnostic cutoff.

Question 6

Distinguish between the 5 psychotic disorders of the DSM-5

Answer 6

Question 7

What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Answer 7

Positive symptoms are features that are added to normal behavior and include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and bizarre or disorganized behavior. These reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.

Negative symptoms are features that represent a loss or reduction of normal function. These include flat affect (reduced emotional expression), alogia (poverty of speech), avolition (lack of motivation), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and social withdrawal. They tend to be more resistant to treatment and are associated with worse functional outcomes.