Psychiatry - conditions Flashcards
(273 cards)
What is a mood disorder?
Marked disruptions in emotions - severe lows (depression)/ highs (mania)
What two sets of diagnostic criteria are frequently used for psychiatric conditions?
- ICD-10/11
- DSM-5 (shitty American version)
What are the three core symptoms of depression?
- Low mood
- Anhedonia (lack of interest)
- Anergia (lack of energy)
What are some other symptoms of depression (7)?
- Weight change
- Sleep changes
- Reduced libido
- Worthlessness/ guilt
- Decreased concentration
- Thoughts of self harm
- Psychomotor sx (e.g. slow movements)
What sleep change is typical of depression?
Early morning wakening (typically 2-3 hours early) - although sleeping more/ less overall are both common
What 3 criteria should be fulfilled for a diagnosis of depression?
- Impair daily function + cause distress
- Symptoms most days for more than 2 weeks
- Not due to substance use or grief
What are some risk factors for depression (8)?
- Chronic pain
- Post partum
- Hypothyroid
- Trauma + abuse
- Bereavement (although this itself is not depression)
- Divorce
- Stress
- Female
What group of people are a higher suicide risk when depressed?
Male
What are two theories that could lead to or worsen depression/ other psychiatric disorders?
- Stress-vulnerability model = positive outcome more likely if stress minimised
- Monoamine hypothesis = deficiency of catecholamines (e.g. norepinephrine) –> depression
How is depression initially assessed (3)?
- Psychiatric: history, MSE, risk assessment
- Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFTs, TFTs, Ca2+, B12/folate, glucose, CRP/ESR
- Questionaries
What questionnaire is commonly used for depression?
PHQ-9
What scores are suggestive of different levels of depression in the PHQ-9?
Out of 27:
* <10 = mild
* 10-19 = moderate
* >19 = severe
What symptom can occur alongside severe depression?
Psychosis
What is psychosis?
Symptoms that occur when the mind has difficulty determining what is real and what is not
What are some symptoms of psychosis (3)?
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganised speech/thought
What is a delusion?
A false belief based in incorrect inference about reality
How is mild depression managed?
Psychotherapy - guided self help, CBT, group exercises/ mindfulness
Only give antidepressant if requested
How is more severe depression treated?
- Offer antidepressant (SSRI/ SNRI)
- Psychotherapy (less group activities than mild depression)
What PHQ-9 score should antidepressants be offered as first line?
16 or more
under 16 should only be given if requested
When should initial follow up appointments be arranged for depression after starting antidepressants?
2 weeks
Who should be seen 1 week after starting antidepressants?
- 18-25 year olds
- High risk of suicide
How soon should antidepressants begin to have a clinical effect?
Within 4-6 weeks
What should be done after 4-6 weeks of treatment if there has been no improvement in depression (3)?
- Re-evaluate + manage risk factors for depression
- Check compliance with medication
- Consider differential diagnoses
How long after symptoms resolve should an antidepressant be taken for?
6 months