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)…
Alcoholism Alcohol is the most significant, most commonly used, and most commonly abused drug. Intoxication is measured with blood alcohol concentration (BAC). It is a depressant (contrary to popular belief that it is a stimulant, as it can ultimately cause…
Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression affects 13% of mothers in the first year postpartum. Mothers usually feel unworthy to raise their children. It can have moderate to severe symptoms with a protracted course. Women have risk factors for depression. They may…
Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurrent mood disturbance mixed with mania/hypomania + depression. Thought to be a bridge between unipolar depression and Schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The genetic link in Bipolar disorder is stronger than that of Unipolar depression,…
Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar Depression) Depression is a very common condition associated with significant dysfunction. It is usually underdiagnosed, and often chronic or recurrent. It commonly presents in patients with other general medical conditions. The good thing is that it…
Overview The use of communication and language to help patiens uderstand their thoughts, feelings and actions in order to bring about positive change. It is is based on commonication between a therapist (psychologist or psychiatrist) and the patient. Historical Psychotherapies…
Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) Sigmun Freud was an Austrian neurologist who pioneered psychoanalysis. His major works include: Studies on Hysteria, Interpretation of Dreams, Three essays on the Theory of sexuality, Beyond the Pleasure Prinicple, and Moses and Monotheism. Freud’s…
Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is characterized by two or more psychotic symptoms for 6 months or more. Symptoms can be delusions, hallucinations (mainly auditory), disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms (affective flattening, avolition, mutism). They severely impact daily life…
Overview As per the Royal College of Pychiatrists, Forensic Psychiatry is a specialty which helps mentally disordered people who are a risk to the public. Forensic psychiatrist work side by side with the police, courts and prisons. A Forensic Pyschiatrist…