Bipolar Disorder

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,…

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…

Psychotherapies

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…

Psychological Concepts

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…

On Finding Purpose in Medicine

I have a confession. I did not choose to study medicine. Well, technically, I did. Kind of. Allow me to explain. Like many other young children, I floated between endless possibilities of what I wanted to be when I grew…

Cervical Incompetence

Cervical incompetence Cervical incompetence is the inability of the cervix to hold closed during pregnancy. When there is incompetence, the cervix spontaneously opens up leading to spontaneous expulsion of the fetus. Cervical incompetence leads to recurrent preterm birth or second…

Schizophrenia

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…

Forensic Psychiatry

Overview Forensic Psychiatry is a specialty that helps mentally disordered people who are a risk to the public. Forensic psychiatrists work side by side with the police, courts, and prisons. A Forensic Psychiatrist is involved in the assessment and treatment…

Large for Gestational Age

Overview Large for gestational age (LGA) refers to a neonate born with a birth weight exceeding the 90th centile for gestational age. Risk factors Complications Treatment is according to the complications met.