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)…
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…