Cambridge Psychiatry Short Notes Exam Preparation

Practice flashcards covering the definitions, diagnostic criteria (DSM-5), durations, and treatments for various psychiatric disorders as outlined in the Cambridge Psychiatry Short Notes.

What are the biological etiology factors associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Neurotransmitter imbalance ($\downarrow$ serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine), HPA axis dysregulation ($\uparrow$ cortisol levels), genetic predisposition, and inflammatory markers ($\uparrow$ cytokines).

What are the DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

$\ge 5$ symptoms for $\ge 2$ weeks, including either depressed mood or anhedonia.

What is the diagnostic duration for Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

Chronic, milder symptoms lasting $\ge 2$ years in adults ($1$ year in children/adolescents).

What is the difference between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder?

Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (lasting $\ge 1$ week); Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode (lasting $\ge 4$ days) and one major depressive episode.

What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for Bipolar Mania?

Lithium, valproate, or antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, quetiapine).

What is the diagnostic duration for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Excessive worry occurring most days for at least $6$ months.

What does the mnemonic 'Worry WARTS' stand for in relation to GAD?

Worry excessive, Wound up (restless), Absent-minded (poor concentration), Restless, Tired easily, Sleep disturbance.

What are the first-line therapies for Panic Disorder?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Which medication is used for performance-related anxiety, such as public speaking in Social Anxiety Disorder?

Propranolol (a beta-blocker).

According to DSM-5, what is the duration requirement for the diagnosis of Specific Phobias?

Symptoms must persist for at least $6$ months.

What is the first-line treatment for Agoraphobia?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

What timeframe is required for a diagnosis of Separation Anxiety Disorder in children versus adults?

At least $4$ weeks in children and $6$ months in adults.

How is Selective Mutism defined?

Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (e.g., school) despite speaking in other situations (e.g., home) for at least $1$ month.

What is the gold standard psychotherapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What is the common age of onset for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Adolescence to early adulthood, typically between $16-17$ years.

What is the first-line behavioral treatment for Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)?

Habit Reversal Training (HRT).

What is the primary difference between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

ASD occurs between $3$ days and $4$ weeks post-trauma; PTSD requires symptoms to persist for $> 1$ month.

What is the timeframe for the onset and resolution of symptoms in Adjustment Disorder?

Symptoms develop within $3$ months of the stressor and do not persist for more than $6$ months after the stressor or its consequences have resolved.

How does Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) present in children?

Emotionally withdrawn behavior where the child rarely seeks or responds to comfort when distressed, following a history of insufficient care.

What are the diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia regarding symptom duration?

$\ge 2$ symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech) for at least $1$ month, with continuous signs of disturbance for $\ge 6$ months.

What defines Brief Psychotic Disorder in terms of duration?

Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting more than $1$ day but less than $1$ month, with a full return to premorbid functioning.

What is Schizophreniform Disorder?

A condition with symptoms similar to schizophrenia but with a duration of at least $1$ month but less than $6$ months.

What happens in Shared Psychotic Disorder (Folie \u00e0 Deux)?

A delusional belief is transmitted from a primary patient (the inducer) to a secondary patient (the recipient).

What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for ADHD?

Stimulants, such as Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall).

What is the IQ threshold for Intellectual Disability (ID)?

A significant limitation in intellectual functioning with an IQ below $70-75$.

What distinguish Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) from other conditions?

The presence of two or more distinct personality states and recurrent gaps in recall (amnesia).

What is Hoover's sign in the context of Conversion Disorder?

A positive sign used to help diagnose psychogenic leg weakness, where the patient's weakness is inconsistent with a neurological cause.

What is the difference between Factitious Disorder and Malingering?

Factitious Disorder involves feigning symptoms to assume the 'sick role' without external incentives, whereas Malingering is motivated by external gains like financial compensation or avoiding work.

What are the physical signs of Anorexia Nervosa?

Weight loss ($\ge 15\%$ below normal), bradycardia, hypotension, lanugo (fine hair), dry skin, and amenorrhea.

What is the diagnostic frequency for Bulimia Nervosa?

Binge eating and compensatory behaviors occurring at least once a week for $3$ months.

What defines Rumination Disorder?

Repeated regurgitation of food (re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out) for at least $1$ month, not due to a medical condition.

What is the diagnostic criteria for Insomnia Disorder?

Difficulty with sleep at least $3$ times a week for $3$ months, causing daytime impairment.

What are the characteristics of Type 1 Narcolepsy?

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotion), and/or hypocretin (orexin) deficiency.

What is the gold standard for diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea (OSAH)?

Polysomnography showing an Apnea-Hypopnea Index $> 5$.

Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

What are the 'Cluster A' personality disorders?

Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal (the 'Odd/Eccentric' cluster).

What is the timeframe for the onset of Delirium Tremens (DTs) during alcohol withdrawal?

Typically $48-72$ hours after the cessation of alcohol.

What causes Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Thiamine (Vitamin $B_1$) deficiency, often resulting from chronic alcohol abuse.