Psychiatric Disorders: Definitions, Mnemonics, and Diagnostic Criteria

Kleptomania

Recurrent failure to resist stealing with rising tension before theft and pleasure or relief after. Not due to conduct, mania, or antisocial personality.

Kleptomania Mnemonic

IT NAG — Impulse to Steal, Tension, Not CD/Manic/Antisocial, Anger not motive, Gratification or relief at theft.

Pyromania

Purposeful fire setting with fascination and pleasure in fire; not done for gain or ideology.

Pyromania Mnemonic

DIP MAN — Deliberate fire setting, Interest/fascination, Pleasure/relief, Not for Money/gain, Arousal before, Not CD/Manic/Antisocial.

ADHD Comorbidities

Common: ODD, ASD, Personality, Substance Use. Less common: Anxiety, MDD, OCD, Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

ADHD Inattentive Mnemonic

MOAT — Mistakes, Organization, Attention, Tasks avoided.

ADHD Hyperactive Mnemonic

RUNS FAST — Restlessness, Unable to stay seated, Noisy, Speaks excessively, Fidgets, Answers out of turn, Stays on the go, Trouble waiting.

ADHD Diagnosis Rule

6 or more symptoms from either category for 6+ months causing impairment.

ADHD Differential Diagnoses

ODD, IED, ASD, Learning Disorders, Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Bipolar, Substance Use, Personality, Psychotic, Medication-induced, Neurocognitive.

ASD Mnemonic

SEND — Deficits in Social-emotional reciprocity, Nonverbal communication, and Developing/Maintaining/Understanding relationships.

ASD Diagnosis Key

Persistent current or historical deficits in these areas.

Suicide Risk Disorders

Common in Bipolar, MDD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Panic/PTSD, Substance Use, Borderline, Antisocial, Eating, Adjustment disorders.

DMDD Mnemonic

NO AIM — No manic/hypomanic, Outbursts 3+/week, Angry mood daily, Inconsistent with development, Multiple settings.

DMDD Use Rule

Onset before 10, not before 6 or after 18, lasts 12+ months, cannot coexist with ODD, IED, Bipolar.

MDD Mnemonic

DIG & SIP DEW — Death thoughts, Indecisiveness, Guilt, (In)Somnia, Interest loss, Psychomotor change, Depressed mood, Energy loss, Weight change.

MDD Diagnostic Rule

5+ symptoms in 2 weeks, must include Depressed mood or Interest loss, causing distress/impairment.

MDD Exclusions

Not due to substances, medical conditions, or psychotic disorders; no manic/hypomanic episode.

PDD Mnemonic

CHESS (w/2 Es) — Concentration difficulty, Hopelessness, Eating change, Energy loss, Sleep change, Self-esteem low.

PDD Diagnostic Rule

2+ CHESS symptoms + depressed mood for 2+ years.

PDD vs MDD

PDD = chronic, low-grade; MDD = episodic, intense.

Anxiety Disorder Criteria (General)

Excessive fear/anxiety beyond developmental norms lasting 6+ months, causes distress/impairment, not due to substances/medical issues.

Panic Disorder Mnemonic

STUDENTS Fear the 3Cs — Sudden onset, Tachycardia, Uncontrolled shaking, Dizziness, Extreme fear, Nausea, Tightness, Sweating, Chills/Choking/Chest pain.

Panic Disorder Key Criteria

≥4 symptoms during attacks; 1+ month worry or maladaptive change after; not due to substances or other disorders.

ODD Mnemonic

ARGUE — Argumentative, Resentful, Grudges/vindictive, Upset easily, Everyday defiance.

ODD Diagnosis Rule

Persistent angry/defiant/vindictive behavior for 6+ months.

Social Anxiety Mnemonic

SCARED — Social situations provoke fear, Criticism feared, Avoidance, Recognizes fear as excessive, Exposure causes anxiety, Disabling.

Social Anxiety Diagnosis Rule

Persistent (6+ months), causes distress/impairment, specify if performance-only.

Conduct Disorder Mnemonic

TRAP — Threats to people/animals, Rule violations, Aggression, Property destruction.

Conduct Disorder Diagnostic Rule

12+ months of aggression, rule violations, and property destruction.