Overview In general, anti-depressants increase the availability of 5-HT and other monoamines AND normalize receptor density (they do not upregulate post and pre-synaptic receptors). The most commonly used antidepressants are SSRIs as they are relatively well tolerated. TCAs have fallen…
Overview Generally, antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists (D2 receptors). Remember the primary theory behind psychotic disorders is dopamine overproduction Antagonizing dopamine is a useful way to block psychotic symptoms. Dopaminergic pathway Function Nigrostriatal Motor Control (Responsible for extrapyramidal side effects) Mesolimbic…
Disturbances of thought Disturbances of thought process Thought process describes how the patient uses language and puts ideas together. Can be linear or non-linear. Disorder of though process Definition Circumstantiality Indirect speech that delays reaching the point BUT eventually does.…
Overview A psychiatric assessment is a medical process involving the systematic gathering of information in order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis. It has to be thorough and usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It can take longer…
Specific symptoms Diagnosis Definitive treatment Congenital toxoplasmosis Diffuse calcifications on MRI, hydrocephalus Toxoplasma titers (IgM) Pyrimethamine and Sulfadiazine + Leucovorin Congenital syphilis Palm/sole rash, periostitis VDRL-RPR; FTA-ABS, CSF analysis Penicillin G Congenital rubella Cataract, deafness, heart defects (PDA), blueberry muffin…
Periventricular haemorrhage (PVH) is bleeding into the germinal matrix capillary bed – the tissue surrounding the lateral ventricles. It is common in preterm neonates (< 32 weeks gestation), very low birth weight neonates (< 1500 g), and is closely associated…
Neonatal hypotonia is a state of poor muscle tone at rest that is characterised by a “rag doll” feel, poor sucking, a weak cry, and increased joint mobility. It may or may not involve muscle weakness. Causes of neonatal hypotonia…
Neonatal seizures are seizures occurring in the first 28 days of life. Most seizures occur between 12 and 48 hours of life, and these are associated with ischemia or haemorrhage. Seizures first presenting more than 40 hours of life are…
Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening bloodstream infection that affects infants < 28 days old. Definition of terms Term Definition Suspected sepsis Presence of sepsis risk factors in the baby, or findings suggesting sepsis regardless of whether there are symptoms or…
In term neonates, meconium is usually passed within 24- 48 hours. Delayed passage in preterm neonates is common. Differentials for delayed passage of meconium Category Differentials Mechanical (obstructive) Hirschsprung disease, meconium ileus, meconium plug syndrome, intestinal atresia, anorectal malformations, small…