Mental Health

What is Lithium used for

A mood stabilizer, Treats certain mental illnesses. (mania)

what is mania

Periods of over-active and high energy behaviour.

Lithium lab values

0.6-1.2 is a safe effective range. Higher than 1.2 is when problems can start to occur.

Lithium side effects

Diarrhea, Vomiting, Muscle weakness, Tremor, Drowsiness, Fainting

What are benzodiazepines

A depressant that produces sedation and hypnosis, relieves anxiety and muscle spasms and reduces seizures.

Benzodiazepines side effects

drowsiness, light-headedness, confusion

What should you not do while taking Benzodiazepines

Drive, Consume alcohol (do not use if pregnant)

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially fatal drug-induced condition caused by too much serotonin in synapses in the brain

Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms

Agitation or restlessness, insomnia, confusion.

Treating serotonin syndrome

Benzodiazepines medicines

serotonin syndrome diagnosis

Clinically, requires a thorough review of medications and a careful physical exam.

“normal” serotonin level

50-200ng/mL (0.28-1.14 mol/L)

High serotonin symptoms

GI tract upset, nervousness, insomnia and dilated pupils.

Exposure Therapy

Directly facing a feared object. (in a safe environment)

when is exposure therapy used

for some people with Phobias, Panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Cyclothymia disorder

a rare mood disorder. (not as extreme as Bipolar)

treatment for cyclothymia disorder

CBT, Mood stabilizers

Cyclothymia level

hypomania, mild depression

Bipolar 2 Levels

Hypomania, Major Depression

Bipolar levels

manic, major depression

what is a craving

you may feel increasingly excited as you imagine how it will taste and how you’ll feel eating it.

what is a craving in addiction

an urge to continue substance abuse

drug dependents

feeling like you can not function normally without the use of the substance

Narcan/Naloxone

an opioid antagonist

how does Narcan work

reverses an opioid overdoes, by blocking the effects of the opiated on the brain and restoring breathing.

Pharmacological alcohol medication

Acamprostate, disulifiram and naltrexone

Emotional regulation

the ability to respond to the ongoing demands of experience with the range of emotions in a manner that is socially tolerable