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. The mother usually feels unworthy to raise their children. It can have moderate to severe symptoms, with a protracted course. Women with postpartum depression usually have risk…
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. Multiple safe and effective treatment options…
Overview Psychotherapy is the use of communication and language to help patients understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions to bring about positive change. It is based on the communication between a therapist (psychologist or psychiatrist) and a patient. Historical Psychotherapies…
Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) Sigmund 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 Principle, and Moses and Monotheism. Freud’s…
Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is characterised by two or more psychotic symptoms for 6 months or more. Symptoms can be delusions, hallucinations (mainly auditory), disorganised speech, disorganised or catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms (affective flattening, avolition, mutism). 14% achieve slow sustained recovery…
Changes from DSM-IV to DSM-V Organisation of Sleep Brain wave patterns Stages of Sleep Neurochemicals involved in sleep Relationship between depression and sleep Sleep Changes with Age Insomnia (initiation Phase) Insomnia is characterised by an inability or difficulty initiating sleep…
DSM-V Criteria Criteria for major neurocognitive disorder Criteria for mild neurocognitive disorder Overview Acute or insidious onset of disturbance in various cognitive and executive functions and/or in memory (amnesia). Important to distinguish delirium from dementia first, then determine the cause…
Changes from DSM-IV to DSM-V Impulse control vs OCD Impulses are egosyntonic, Compulsions are egodystonic Impulse control disorders Overview of impulse control disorder Disorder Impulse Kleptomania Stealing Trichotillomania Hair-pulling (may include eating hair) Pyromania Setting things on fire Intermittent explosive…