Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ADHD is characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity that is inconsitent with the patient’s developmental age and results in difficulty functioning in at least two settings (at home, school or work). At least 6…
DSM-V Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder Persistent deficits in social communciation and social interactions across multiple contexts Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests – at least 2 of below Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism is derived from the…
What cannot be communicated to the mother, cannot be communicated to the self – John Bowlby Changes DSM-IV to DSM-V Overview Mental health in childhood and adolescence is defined as the achievement of expected developmental, cognitive, social, and emotional milestones,…
Catha edulis Catha edulis is an amphetamine/like a drug with psychoactive + sympathomimetic effects. The main chemical component is cathinone, tannins, and norephedrine. It can be chewed or consumed as a juice, and is commonly taken with other drugs e.g.…
Cocaine Cocaine blocks the uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the synaptic cleft (in the reward pathway) causing a stimulant effect. Amphetamines Amphetamines block the reuptake and facilitate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from nerve endings causing a…
Inhalants Inhalants represent a broad group of drugs which are inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. They are generally CNS depressants. Intoxication lasts 15-30 minutes and may be sustained with repeated use. Overdose may be fatal due to respiratory depression…
Nicotine Nicotine is derived from the tobacco plant. It stimulates nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia and is highly addictive due to its effects on the dopaminergic system. It also has prominent withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine use is not an acute problem.…
Cannabis Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. It is commonly used by patient who use other drugs. There is also a myth about it being a gateway drug. It is illegal in Kenya. Intoxication is…
Opioids Opioids binds to opiate receptors (mu, kappa, and delta), which are invovled in analgesia, sedation and dependence. They are commonly administered intravenously (appear as needle marks forming a track on physical exam) or inhaled (increasingly smoked with cannabis nowadays).…
Hallucinogens Hallucinaogens work through various mechanisms. They have no addiction profile and no withdrawal syndromes, though patients taking LSD may experience “flashbacks” (recurrent intoxication) later in life. Tolerance is very low. Examples include: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Mescaline (Peyote cactus)…