DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder Persistent deficits in social communication and social interactions across multiple contexts Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests – at least 2 of these: 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, also known as “khat” or “miraa”, is an amphetamine/like a drug with psychoactive + sympathomimetic effects. The main chemical components are cathinone, tannins, and norephedrine. It can be chewed or consumed as a juice, and is commonly taken…
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 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. An overdose may be fatal due to respiratory depression…
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. The…
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. Intoxication is usually an incidental finding on a urine toxicology screen. The main active ingredient in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Cannabinoid…
Opioids bind to opiate receptors (mu, kappa, and delta), which are involved 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). Most…
Hallucinogens Hallucinogens 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. Their tolerance is very low. Examples include: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Mescaline (Peyote…
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…
