Cultural Considerations and Psychopharmacology Overview

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focused on cultural considerations and psychopharmacology, essential for understanding mental health practices.

Cultural Syndrome

Clusters of symptoms recognized locally as coherent patterns of experience within specific cultural groups.

Culturally Expected Response

A reaction to a stressful event that reflects cultural norms and does not necessarily indicate mental illness.

Brief Supportive Therapy

An appropriate intervention when a patient's symptoms align with a cultural syndrome, focusing on support rather than medication.

Cultural Context

The social and cultural framework within which a patient's symptoms are understood.

Cultural Formulation Interview

A tool for understanding a patient's illness in the context of their cultural background.

Respect in Psychotherapy

Honoring and acknowledging the patient's interpretation of their illness within their cultural perspective.

Native Americans

This group has the highest rates of suicide and attempts in the US, often influenced by traditional healing beliefs.

Healing Stick/Staff

A sacred object used in Native American rituals believed to possess spiritual power for healing.

Ethnospecific Assessment Parameters

Culturally specific factors necessary for healthcare providers to consider when assessing individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Susto

A folk illness in Latino culture believed to result from a fright, causing the soul to leave the body.

Ataque de Nervios

A Puerto Rican syndrome characterized by uncontrollable shouting, crying, and physical aggression.

Mal de Ojo

A cultural syndrome where symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and malaise, often attributed to the 'evil eye.'

Empacho

A condition in some cultures linked to blocked intestines, presenting symptoms of indigestion and nausea.

Wind-Cold Illness

A traditional Chinese medicine concept describing symptoms caused by external pathogens like wind and cold.

Apoptosis

Cell death or disintegration, significant in the study of neuronal loss.

TSH

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, where levels indicate hypo- or hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Symptoms resembling depression, such as lethargy and weight gain.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Symptoms resembling mania, including heat intolerance and anxiety.

Divalproex Sodium/Depakote

A mood stabilizer that can have serious side effects, including hepatotoxicity.

Hepatotoxicity Signs

Signs such as abdominal pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, and fatigue, indicating liver damage.

Pancreatitis Symptoms

Signs including upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, indicating potential complications from medications.

Kava Kava

An herbal supplement used for anxiety that risks liver damage and significant drug interactions.

Benzodiazepines Interaction

Combining benzodiazepines with kava kava may increase sedation and the risk of drowsiness.

Metoprolol

A medication that should not be used with Paroxetine due to serious adverse effects.

Vitamin B12 and Folate

Nutrients that can improve symptoms of depression.

QT Prolongation

A potential side effect of certain psychiatric medications that may lead to cardiac issues.

Least Sedating SSRI

Escitalopram and Fluoxetine are considered the least sedating among SSRIs.

Delayed Gastric Emptying

A condition relevant to the side effects of certain antidepressants, particularly in adolescents.

Sexual Dysfunction

A common side effect of many antidepressants, which can impact treatment adherence.

Wellbutrin

An NDRI medication that is least likely to cause sexual problems and contraindicated in seizure disorders.

Trazodone Side Effects

Can cause priapism, a painful prolonged erection.

Mirtazapine Effects

Antidepressant that can lead to significant weight gain.

Clozaril

An antipsychotic known to reduce suicide risk in schizophrenia patients.

Lithium

The gold standard treatment for manic episodes, requiring careful monitoring for toxicity.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A severe reaction to antipsychotics characterized by muscle rigidity and hyperthermia.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity, treated by discontinuing offending medications.

5-HT2C Receptor

A genetic dysfunction associated with the processing of mood-regulating neurotransmitters.

Cytokine Levels

Increased levels linked to autoimmune disorders that can affect mental health.

Autoimmune Disorders

Health conditions that can increase cytokine levels and affect psychiatric symptoms.

Cultural Sensitivity in Care

The respectful approach of integrating a patient's cultural understanding into their treatment plan.

Inflammation in Mental Health

Can be associated with cytokines and impact conditions like depression.

Acceptance

Valuing a patient’s cultural beliefs and practices in the therapeutic process.

Cultural Expectations of Grief

Varies between cultures; wailing may be normal in some while silence is preferred in others.

Traditional Healing Practices

Cultural approaches to healing that may involve rituals and specific beliefs about health.

Somatic Complaints

Physical symptoms that may not have a medical explanation and can be culturally contextualized.

Empowerment in Therapy

Supporting patients through understanding their illness within their cultural framework.

Mental Health Diversity

Recognizing the wide range of experiences and expressions within different cultural contexts.

Medication Monitoring

The process of regularly checking for adverse effects and interactions, especially when starting new medications.

Cultural Competence

The ability of healthcare providers to understand, communicate, and effectively interact with patients from diverse cultures.

Community Healing Practices

Local practices recognized and utilized for emotional and spiritual healing.

Mental Illness and Culture

The relationship between cultural beliefs and the perception of mental health conditions.

Prevention of Acute Episodes

Using medications and therapies effectively to prevent the escalation of episodes in mental health.

Risk Assessment

A crucial process undertaken to evaluate the potential for self-harm in patients showing changes in mood.

Crisis Management

Interventions at time of mental health crisis to ensure patient safety and appropriate care.

Medication Compliance

Patients adhering to prescribed treatment plans, influenced by cultural beliefs and perceptions.

Culturally Appropriate Therapy

Therapy tailored to respect and incorporate the patient's cultural background and practices.

Chronic Pain Management

Addressing pain in the context of psychological and cultural factors.

Cultural Influences on Mental Health

Understanding how a patient's cultural background shapes their experiences of illness.

Community Support Systems

Networks within cultural groups that provide emotional and practical support.

Family Involvement in Treatment

Engaging family members in the therapeutic process, respecting cultural dynamics.

Motivational Interviewing

A method of engaging patients in treatment planning through understanding their cultural context.

Cultural Tailoring of Interventions

Adapting mental health treatments to align with cultural beliefs and practices.

Societal Factors in Mental Health

Recognizing how societal expectations and norms influence individual mental health experiences.

Integration of Traditional and Modern Medicine

Combining cultural healing practices with conventional psychiatric treatment for holistic care.

Culturally Specific Therapies

Therapeutic practices designed to align with the values and beliefs of specific cultural groups.

Neurotransmitter Interaction

The influence of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in mental health disorders.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Utilizing mood stabilizers and antipsychotics tailored to individual patient needs.

Evolution of Antidepressant Treatment

The development of various classes of antidepressants has increased options for managing depression.

Active Listening in Therapy

A communication technique important for building rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Cultural Bias in Treatment

The potential for healthcare providers to unconsciously apply their own cultural norms in clinical settings.

Patient Autonomy in Health Care

Respecting a patient's rights to make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Adjustment Disorders

A psychological response to a stressful event that can be influenced by cultural understanding.