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Questions and Answers
A patient presents with abrupt onset of confusion, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and disorientation. Which of the following conditions is the MOST likely cause?
A patient presents with abrupt onset of confusion, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and disorientation. Which of the following conditions is the MOST likely cause?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Acute Confusional State (Delirium) (correct)
A patient experiences persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and negative thoughts. Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate as an initial treatment approach?
A patient experiences persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and negative thoughts. Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate as an initial treatment approach?
- Lithium medication
- Graded exposure to feared stimuli
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy
- Antidepressant medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (correct)
A patient exhibits elevated mood, overactivity, and a reduced need for sleep. These symptoms alternate with periods of depression. Which medication category would MOST likely be prescribed?
A patient exhibits elevated mood, overactivity, and a reduced need for sleep. These symptoms alternate with periods of depression. Which medication category would MOST likely be prescribed?
- Anxiolytics
- Mood stabilizers (correct)
- Antidepressants
- Stimulants
A patient experiences excessive worry and fear that significantly impairs their daily functioning. Which of the following therapeutic approaches would be MOST appropriate?
A patient experiences excessive worry and fear that significantly impairs their daily functioning. Which of the following therapeutic approaches would be MOST appropriate?
A patient has an irrational fear of spiders, leading to significant avoidance behaviors. Which of the following treatments is MOST likely to be effective?
A patient has an irrational fear of spiders, leading to significant avoidance behaviors. Which of the following treatments is MOST likely to be effective?
A patient experiences intrusive thoughts and engages in repetitive behaviors to relieve anxiety. Which of the following treatment approaches would be MOST appropriate?
A patient experiences intrusive thoughts and engages in repetitive behaviors to relieve anxiety. Which of the following treatment approaches would be MOST appropriate?
A patient has excessive worry about having a serious illness despite repeated negative medical tests and reassurance from doctors. What is the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient?
A patient has excessive worry about having a serious illness despite repeated negative medical tests and reassurance from doctors. What is the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient?
Which of the following statements BEST describes the concept of neurosis?
Which of the following statements BEST describes the concept of neurosis?
A patient presents with unfounded suspicion and the belief that events revolve around them. Which condition is MOST likely associated with these symptoms?
A patient presents with unfounded suspicion and the belief that events revolve around them. Which condition is MOST likely associated with these symptoms?
Which of the following scenarios would MOST warrant the use of detoxification protocols?
Which of the following scenarios would MOST warrant the use of detoxification protocols?
A young adult is exhibiting instability in their relationships, a distorted self-image, and intense fear of abandonment. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A young adult is exhibiting instability in their relationships, a distorted self-image, and intense fear of abandonment. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations and tremors?
Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations and tremors?
Which of the following BEST describes the primary action of antipsychotic medications in treating psychotic disorders?
Which of the following BEST describes the primary action of antipsychotic medications in treating psychotic disorders?
A patient is diagnosed with Wernicke's encephalopathy. Which of the following treatments should be administered FIRST?
A patient is diagnosed with Wernicke's encephalopathy. Which of the following treatments should be administered FIRST?
Which of the following is the MOST critical component of preventing Korsakoff's syndrome in patients with chronic alcohol abuse?
Which of the following is the MOST critical component of preventing Korsakoff's syndrome in patients with chronic alcohol abuse?
What is the PRIMARY focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of mental health disorders?
What is the PRIMARY focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of mental health disorders?
Which of the following neurotransmitters are PRIMARILY targeted by antidepressant medications like SSRIs and SNRIs?
Which of the following neurotransmitters are PRIMARILY targeted by antidepressant medications like SSRIs and SNRIs?
Which of the following BEST describes "Exposure therapy"?
Which of the following BEST describes "Exposure therapy"?
What is the primary purpose of the CAGE questionnaire?
What is the primary purpose of the CAGE questionnaire?
A patient with anorexia nervosa is at high risk for medical complications. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized?
A patient with anorexia nervosa is at high risk for medical complications. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized?
How do mood stabilizers like lithium alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder?
How do mood stabilizers like lithium alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder?
A patient is experiencing significant memory deficits and confabulation. This presentation is MOST indicative of which condition?
A patient is experiencing significant memory deficits and confabulation. This presentation is MOST indicative of which condition?
Which of the following is the PRIMARY mechanism of action for benzodiazepines in the treatment of acute anxiety?
Which of the following is the PRIMARY mechanism of action for benzodiazepines in the treatment of acute anxiety?
Which of the following is the MOST important initial step in managing delirium?
Which of the following is the MOST important initial step in managing delirium?
A patient with a history of bipolar disorder has been stable on medication for several years but has recently stopped taking it. Which of the following is the MOST important next step?
A patient with a history of bipolar disorder has been stable on medication for several years but has recently stopped taking it. Which of the following is the MOST important next step?
What is the PRIMARY goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
What is the PRIMARY goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A patient presents with persistent health anxiety, constantly fearing serious illnesses despite negative medical findings. Which of the following approaches would be MOST appropriate?
A patient presents with persistent health anxiety, constantly fearing serious illnesses despite negative medical findings. Which of the following approaches would be MOST appropriate?
Which statement BEST differentiates between the modern understanding of anxiety disorders and the historical concept of 'neurosis'?
Which statement BEST differentiates between the modern understanding of anxiety disorders and the historical concept of 'neurosis'?
A patient is experiencing a manic episode characterized by extreme impulsivity and impaired judgment. Which of the following interventions would be MOST crucial to implement FIRST?
A patient is experiencing a manic episode characterized by extreme impulsivity and impaired judgment. Which of the following interventions would be MOST crucial to implement FIRST?
A researcher is investigating the efficacy of a novel therapeutic approach for phobias. To MOST effectively assess the success of the intervention, which outcome measure would be the MOST critical to evaluate?
A researcher is investigating the efficacy of a novel therapeutic approach for phobias. To MOST effectively assess the success of the intervention, which outcome measure would be the MOST critical to evaluate?
Researchers are exploring the role of specific genes in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Based on current understanding, which factor would MOST significantly complicate their efforts to identify specific causal genes?
Researchers are exploring the role of specific genes in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Based on current understanding, which factor would MOST significantly complicate their efforts to identify specific causal genes?
Which of the following BEST describes the primary goal of thiamine supplementation in the treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Which of the following BEST describes the primary goal of thiamine supplementation in the treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
A patient is exhibiting symptoms of psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations. Which class of medications is MOST likely to be prescribed to manage these symptoms?
A patient is exhibiting symptoms of psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations. Which class of medications is MOST likely to be prescribed to manage these symptoms?
Which of the following is the MAIN focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating mental health disorders?
Which of the following is the MAIN focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating mental health disorders?
What role do societal messages play in the etiology of eating disorders, according to the information provided?
What role do societal messages play in the etiology of eating disorders, according to the information provided?
A patient is undergoing detoxification for alcohol abuse. What is the PRIMARY purpose of using benzodiazepines during this process?
A patient is undergoing detoxification for alcohol abuse. What is the PRIMARY purpose of using benzodiazepines during this process?
What is generally the FIRST step in managing a patient with anorexia nervosa?
What is generally the FIRST step in managing a patient with anorexia nervosa?
A patient presents with severe anxiety, characterized by physical symptoms like palpitations and tremors. Which of the following medications would be MOST appropriate for addressing these specific symptoms?
A patient presents with severe anxiety, characterized by physical symptoms like palpitations and tremors. Which of the following medications would be MOST appropriate for addressing these specific symptoms?
Which of the following is the MOST important aspect of preventing relapse in a patient with schizophrenia?
Which of the following is the MOST important aspect of preventing relapse in a patient with schizophrenia?
What distinguishes delusional disorder from schizophrenia?
What distinguishes delusional disorder from schizophrenia?
In the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), what is the primary focus of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
In the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), what is the primary focus of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
What is the MAJOR difference in focus between interventions for anxiety and interventions for psychosis?
What is the MAJOR difference in focus between interventions for anxiety and interventions for psychosis?
Which of the following is an 'insanely difficult' distinction between Anorexia Nervosa and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Which of the following is an 'insanely difficult' distinction between Anorexia Nervosa and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
What is the long-term consequence of failing to address Wernicke's encephalopathy?
What is the long-term consequence of failing to address Wernicke's encephalopathy?
A chronic alcoholic patient being treated in a psychiatric unit suddenly starts developing visual hallucinations, tremors, and autonomic hyperactivity and is confused. Which of the following conditions should be suspected?
A chronic alcoholic patient being treated in a psychiatric unit suddenly starts developing visual hallucinations, tremors, and autonomic hyperactivity and is confused. Which of the following conditions should be suspected?
A patient with a long-standing history of alcohol abuse presents with significant memory loss and confabulation (creating false memories). Assuming the patient is already being treated with thiamine, what additional intervention addresses the MOST urgent need?
A patient with a long-standing history of alcohol abuse presents with significant memory loss and confabulation (creating false memories). Assuming the patient is already being treated with thiamine, what additional intervention addresses the MOST urgent need?
Flashcards
Acute Confusional State (Delirium)
Acute Confusional State (Delirium)
Rapid, fluctuating confusion, often with disorientation.
Depression
Depression
Persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure.
Mania / Bipolar Disorder
Mania / Bipolar Disorder
Elevated mood/irritability, overactivity, decreased need for sleep; may alternate with depression.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
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Phobias
Phobias
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Hypochondriasis
Hypochondriasis
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Neurosis
Neurosis
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Psychosis
Psychosis
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Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol Abuse
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Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
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Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia)
Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia)
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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
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Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
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Suicide (Ideation/Risk)
Suicide (Ideation/Risk)
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Paranoia
Paranoia
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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Dementia
Dementia
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Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs)
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs)
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Mood Stabilizers (Lithium, Valproate)
Mood Stabilizers (Lithium, Valproate)
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Antipsychotics (Typical/Atypical)
Antipsychotics (Typical/Atypical)
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Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam)
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam)
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CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
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What is Delirium?
What is Delirium?
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What is Depression?
What is Depression?
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What is Mania?
What is Mania?
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What are Anxiety Disorders?
What are Anxiety Disorders?
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What are Phobias?
What are Phobias?
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What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
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What is Hypochondriasis?
What is Hypochondriasis?
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What is Neurosis?
What is Neurosis?
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Study Notes
- Acute Confusional State (Delirium) involves a rapid onset of confusion or fluctuating consciousness often accompanied by disorientation
- It arises from medical issues like infection, hypoxia, metabolic imbalance, or drug withdrawal
- Treatment focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying cause, such as using antibiotics or rehydration
- Prevention includes good medical care, minimizing medication side effects, and early detection of infections
- Depression is characterized by a persistent low mood, anhedonia, and negative thoughts
- It has multifactorial causes, including genetics, stress, and neurochemistry
- Treatment options include antidepressants (SSRIs), therapy (CBT), and social interventions
- Prevention involves stress management, early intervention, and a supportive environment
- Mania/Bipolar Disorder involves an elevated or irritable mood, overactivity, and reduced need for sleep, often alternating with depressive episodes
- It is caused by genetic predisposition and neurochemical factors
- Treatment includes mood stabilizers (lithium), antipsychotics, and support
- Prevention includes maintenance medication, psychoeducation, and regular follow-ups
- Anxiety Disorders are marked by excessive fear or worry that leads to functional impairment, such as GAD or panic attacks
- They are caused by stress, genetic predisposition, and learned behaviors
- Treatment includes education, CBT, relaxation techniques, and sometimes medication like SSRIs or short-term benzodiazepines
- Prevention involves early coping strategies, stress management, and avoiding unhelpful avoidance behaviors
- Phobias involve irrational fear linked to specific stimuli or situations
- They are born from learned behavior, past trauma, and genetic vulnerability
- Treatment includes graded exposure (desensitization), CBT, and sometimes anxiolytics
- Prevention includes early therapy for anxiety and gradual exposure to feared stimuli
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, along with repetitive actions (compulsions) to relieve that anxiety
- It is caused by neurochemical, genetic, and psychological factors
- Treatment includes SSRIs and behavioral therapy (ERP: Exposure & Response Prevention)
- Prevention involves early intervention if mild symptoms appear
- Hypochondriasis is characterized by an excessive fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance
- It is caused by anxiety, often with underlying mental illness like depression or OCD
- Treatment includes ruling out organic causes, therapy for underlying anxiety/depression, and a careful approach to investigations
- Prevention involves a balanced approach to health concerns and avoidance of repeated unnecessary tests
- Neurosis is an older term encompassing anxiety-related disorders
- The individual remains aware that their symptoms are excessive or irrational
- It can be triggered by psychological stress, learned maladaptive patterns, and genetic predisposition
- Treatment varies according to the specific condition like CBT for phobias, SSRIs for OCD/anxiety, or short-term anxiolytics
- Prevention includes early recognition of anxiety or obsessive patterns, stress management strategies, and timely psychotherapy
- Psychosis is a severe mental disturbance involving impaired reality testing, including symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts
- May arise in schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, major depression, substance misuse, or organic brain conditions
- Treatment includes antipsychotics, psychosocial interventions (CBT, supportive therapy), and possible hospitalization if risk is high
- No definitive prevention; early intervention, reduced substance misuse, and management of underlying disorders can mitigate severity and relapse
- Alcohol Abuse is excessive or dependent use of alcohol leading to harm
- It is caused by genetic vulnerability, social factors, and mental health issues
- Treatment includes detoxification protocols, psychosocial interventions (AA, counseling), and thiamine supplementation
- Prevention includes public health measures, education, and responsible drinking guidelines
- Wernicke’s Encephalopathy & Korsakoff’s Syndrome are caused by thiamine deficiency leading to neurological signs (Wernicke’s)
- It can progress to Korsakoff’s which features memory deficits and confabulation.
- It is caused by chronic alcohol abuse and malnutrition
- Treatment includes IV thiamine, correction of nutritional deficiencies, and psychosocial support
- Prevention includes early recognition and thiamine supplementation in high-risk drinkers
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia) involve a morbid fear of obesity, body image distortion, restrictive eating, or binge-purge cycles
- They are caused by psychological, sociocultural, and biological influences
- Treatment includes nutritional support, psychotherapy, and treating medical complications
- Prevention includes healthy messages about body image/food and early intervention in at-risk teens
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) involves excessive preoccupation with minor or imagined defects in appearance
- It is caused by psychological/biological vulnerability and social pressures
- Treatment includes SSRIs, CBT, and caution with cosmetic interventions
- Prevention includes encouraging realistic self-image and early therapy if preoccupation arises
- Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms
- It is caused by genetic predisposition, neurochemical factors, and stress
- Treatment includes antipsychotic medication, psychosocial interventions, and family therapy
- No absolute prevention; early treatment can reduce relapse
- Suicide (Ideation/Risk) involves thoughts or actions intended to end one’s life
- It is caused by severe depression, hopelessness, psychosis, or situational crises
- Treatment includes urgent psychiatric referral, possible hospitalization, and crisis support
- Prevention includes early detection, open communication, and access to mental health care
- Paranoia involves unfounded suspicion and belief that events revolve around oneself
- It can appear in schizophrenia, psychotic depression, or delusional disorders
- Treatment includes antipsychotics and therapy
- Prevention includes early intervention for any underlying psychotic condition
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves instability in emotions, self-image, and relationships, with impulsivity and fear of abandonment
- It is possibly linked to childhood neglect/trauma and genetic predisposition
- Treatment includes Psychotherapy (DBT) and supportive therapy
- Prevention includes early intervention in high-risk youths and therapy for trauma
- Dementia involves progressive cognitive decline in memory, judgment, language, etc.
- It is caused by Alzheimer’s, vascular disease, Lewy bodies, etc.
- Treatment includes supportive care and sometimes cholinesterase inhibitors
- Prevention includes managing vascular risk factors and maintaining cognitive engagement
- ADHD involves attention deficit, hyperactivity, or impulsivity
- It is covered separately in paediatrics
List Of Drugs, Treatments, And Tests (Brief Explanations)
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) are used for depression, anxiety, and OCD
- They alter neurotransmitters (serotonin/noradrenaline) to improve mood
- Mood Stabilizers (Lithium, Valproate) are used for bipolar disorder
- They stabilize manic and depressive phases through complex mechanisms modulating neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter balance
- Antipsychotics (Typical/Atypical, e.g., Clozapine, Olanzapine) are used for schizophrenia, mania, and sometimes severe anxiety
- They work by blocking dopamine receptors, reducing psychotic symptoms
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam) are used for acute anxiety and short-term sedation
- They enhance GABA’s inhibitory effect in the CNS, reducing overactivity
- Beta-Blockers (e.g., Propranolol) are used for physical symptoms of anxiety (palpitations, tremor)
- They block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and tremors
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is used for depression, anxiety, OCD, and phobias
- It identifies and alters maladaptive thoughts/behaviors
- Exposure Therapy / Desensitization is used for phobias and OCD,
- It uses gradual or “flooding” exposure to feared stimulus to reduce fear response
- Psychotherapy (DBT, Psychoeducation, Family Therapy) is used for BPD, schizophrenia, and bipolar, etc.
- It helps to manage emotions, interpersonal skills, and coping strategies
- Detoxification Protocols (for Alcohol Abuse) are used to manage withdrawal safely
- These protocols involve a gradual reduction in dependence with medications (benzodiazepines), plus thiamine supplementation
- Nutritional Support (for Eating Disorders, Alcohol Abuse) is used to correct malnutrition and prevent complications
- It involves a balanced intake, sometimes with supplements or NG feeding
- CAGE Questionnaire is used for screening for alcohol problems
- It is a short series of questions detecting possible dependency
- Hospital Admission / Community Team Support are there for severe mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, or dangerously low weight in anorexia
- They provide a safe environment, medication management, and close supervision
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Description
Differential diagnosis of delirium, depression, and mania/bipolar disorder including causes, treatments, and prevention. Delirium involves rapid onset of confusion, depression is characterized by persistent low mood and mania/bipolar disorder involves elevated mood and overactivity.
