The psychiatric condition obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is estimated to be present in 1.2% of the UK population. This condition has been oversimplified in the past and present media as being only an obsession with cleanliness or order, whereas in reality, it can have potentially a diverse list of presentations. The key to the diagnosis is
The Multiple Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is a computer-based exam increasingly being used by many different specialties as part of core training applications. For all specialties, the MSRA score will contribute to or be the sole consideration for shortlisting candidates for limited interview slots for each specialty. Subsequently, the MSRA score will also (often) contribute
Psychosis refers to patients suffering a loss of contact with reality. It affects 3 out of 100 people in their lifetime. Psychosis is a constellation of symptoms and signs rather than a diagnosis itself. Causes of psychosis Psychiatric Schizophrenia Mood disorders: Bipolar affective disorder Severe depression with psychosis Schizoaffective disorder Delusional disorder Post-partum psychosis Unspecified
Psychotropic medication includes some of the most commonly prescribed medication in the the world. This article will cover the types of medication you will tend to encounter, important side effects, monitoring and emergencies. Mood disorders When initiating patients on anti-depressant medication it is important to follow them up within 2 weeks. This is because one
Determining the risk of harm to the patient, and sometimes to others, is an essential part of a psychiatric assessment. It is useful to know what questions to ask whether you’re at the hospital front door or on an inpatient psychiatric ward. Self-harm/suicide risk assessment The aim is to assess acute risk for a patient
Anxiety is a commonly experienced symptom as part of the body’s reaction to stress. It becomes a mental health disorder if exaggerated, lasts >3 weeks and interferes with daily life. Features Psychological: Dread Tension Poor concentration Depersonalisation/derealisation Physical: Insomnia Loss of appetite Globus Diarrhoea Urinary urgency Panic: Palpitations Dizziness Diaphoresis Breathlessness Chest pain Tetany Co-morbid:
In this article, we cover depressive disorders, bipolar affective disorder and schizoaffective disorder with an overview of the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, assessment and management steps. Depressive disorder Annual prevalence of 5% Depressive episodes last >2 weeks Core symptoms: low mood, anhedonia, anergia Associated: sleep disturbance (early wakening, insomnia or hypersomnia), poor appetite, loss of libido,
Psychiatry, as a specialty is unique in that diagnostic methods, rely very heavily on symptomatology, therefore assessment has to be thorough. Components of psychiatric assessment 1. Presenting complaint 2. History of presenting complaint 3. Past psychiatric history 4. Past medical history 5. Family history 6. Drug history 7. Forensic history 8. Premorbid personality 9. Personal
Do you have an interest in human behaviour? Did you go into medicine to speak to patients? Are you looking for variety in your work? Do you want to make a difference in people’s lives? Then Psychiatry could be for you! Why Psychiatry? Psychiatry is a wonderful, multifaceted, and highly rewarding speciality for anyone who
The mental state examination (MSE) is an observational assessment of a patient’s appearance, behaviours and cognitive state. It has seven domains that need to be assessed in order to complete a full examination. When completed correctly, the mental state examination should allow the reader to obtain an exact picture of the patient in their mind.
