Cultural and Pharmacological Considerations in Mental Health

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on cultural and pharmacological considerations in mental health, focusing on definitions of key terms and concepts.

Cultural Syndrome

A culturally expected response to a stressful event that does not indicate mental illness.

Brief Supportive Therapy

An effective approach for patients experiencing symptoms related to cultural syndromes.

Cultural Formulation Interview

An assessment tool that contextualizes a patient's illness within their cultural background.

Respect in Healthcare

Essential for acknowledging each person's interpretation of their illness.

Somatic Complaints

Physical complaints that may have no medical cause and must be considered within cultural context.

Susto

A folk illness seen in Latinos, believed to result from a frightening experience.

Ataque de Nervios

A Puerto Rican syndrome characterized by uncontrollable crying and aggression.

Mal de Ojo

A cultural syndrome involving fatigue and malaise, often attributed to the evil eye.

Empacho

A folk illness characterized by indigestion and discomfort in Hispanic cultures.

Wind-Cold Illness

A Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern associated with cold-related symptoms.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone levels indicating thyroid function; normal range is 0.5-5.0 Mu/L.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Can mimic depression; includes fatigue and weight gain.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Can mimic mania; includes anxiety and weight loss.

Divalproex Sodium

A mood stabilizer with specific effective blood levels; excess can cause toxicity.

Kava Kava

An herbal supplement that may cause liver damage and has drug interactions.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A serious reaction to antipsychotic medications characterized by rigidity and fever.

Lithium

Medication used to treat manic episodes; requires monitoring of blood levels.

Agranulocytosis

A condition involving a dangerously low level of white blood cells.

Black Box Warning

A warning issued by the FDA for medications that have a potential severe side effect.

Clozapine

An antipsychotic medication shown to reduce the risk of suicide in schizophrenia.

Weight Gain with Antipsychotics

Certain antipsychotics are more likely to cause significant weight gain.

Effects of SSRIs in Older Adults

SSRIs may increase anxiety in adults aged 65 and older.

Delayed Gastric Emptying

Can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain and bloating.

Mood Stabilizers

Medications used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.

ANEW medication with longer half-life

Meds such as fluoxetine, which may have a prolonged washout period.

Antidepressants

Medications commonly used for treating depression and anxiety.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A treatment for depression using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells.

Serum Uric Acid Levels

Test for gout; normal levels are important for treatment.

GABA

A neurotransmitter associated with inhibiting nerve activity.

DA (Dopamine)

A neurotransmitter involved in reward and pleasure pathways.

NE (Norepinephrine)

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in controlling alertness and arousal.

5-HT (Serotonin)

A key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

May include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.

Fluoxetine

An SSRI antidepressant that can cause insomnia.

Mirtazapine

An antidepressant that can cause weight gain.

Trazodone

An antidepressant that can cause priapism.

Sexual Problems with Antidepressants

Many antidepressants can cause sexual dysfunction.

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

Includes symptoms like muscle soreness and fatigue when stopping an SSRI.

Genetic Dysfunction in Depression

May affect response to certain antidepressants.

Cultural Expectations of Grief

Vary by culture; loud mourning may be normal in some but silence in others.

Traditional Healing Practices

Include the use of sacred objects for emotional and spiritual healing.

Engagement with Patients

Requires empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Continuity of Care

The practice of maintaining consistent patient care across treatment.

Health Literacy

Patient's understanding of their health and treatment options.

Informed Consent

Mandatory before proceeding with treatment, especially in diverse communities.

Therapeutic Relationship

Building rapport and trust with patients.

Cultural Awareness

Understanding and respecting cultural differences in healthcare.

Dosing Adjustments

May be necessary based on patient response and cultural considerations.

Patient-Centered Care

Prioritizing patients’ preferences and values in treatment planning.

Emotional Coping Mechanisms

Strategies used by individuals to handle emotional distress.

Community Resources

Supports available in the patient's community for mental health.

Behavioral Symptoms

Observable actions that indicate emotional or psychological issues.

Psychosocial Factors

Social and environmental influences on mental health.

Clinical Diagnosis

Determining mental health disorders based on symptoms and history.

Risk Assessment

Evaluating potential risks for self-harm or suicide.

Predictors of Suicide

Factors that increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A common psychotherapy technique for addressing depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A therapy focused on emotion regulation and acceptance.

Mindfulness Practices

Techniques that promote awareness and presence in the moment.

Family Involvement in Treatment

Involving family members in a patient's mental health care.

Pharmacotherapy

Use of medications to treat mental health disorders.

Counseling Techniques

Methods used to facilitate client discussions in therapy.

Substance Use Disorders

Conditions involving the harmful use of psychoactive substances.

Stigma Reduction

Efforts to minimize social stigma associated with mental illness.

Preventive Care

Healthcare that aims to prevent illness before it occurs.

Crisis Intervention

Immediate assistance provided during a mental health crisis.

Support Groups

Community gatherings for individuals facing similar challenges.

Cultural Competent Care

Providing effective healthcare that meets cultural needs.

Trauma-Informed Care

Understanding and considering the impact of trauma in treatment.

Patient Empowerment

Encouraging patients to take an active role in their health.

Return to Functioning

A key goal in mental health treatment following a crisis.

Collaboration Among Providers

Working together across disciplines to support patient care.

Integrated Care Model

Combining physical and mental health services for holistic approach.

Adverse Effects of Medications

Unintended consequences of drug treatment.

Therapeutic Re-evaluation

Regular reassessment and adjustment of treatment plans.

Outcome Monitoring

Tracking patient progress and treatment efficacy.

Medication Side Effect Management

Strategies to mitigate adverse effects of treatments.

Crisis Resources

Emergency services available to individuals in distressed states.

Psychiatric Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of mental health status.

Continuing Education for Practitioners

Ongoing training to maintain skills and knowledge in healthcare.

Legal and Ethical Guidelines

Standards governing healthcare practices.