I have enough from Kaplan & Sadock's, combined with my comprehensive psychiatry knowledge. Let me now compile the full exam guide.Here is your complete psychiatry exam guide. This is comprehensive, exam-focused, and organized for case-based questions.
COMPLETE PSYCHIATRY EXAM GUIDE
Source: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry + Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry
PART 1: PSYCHIATRIC HISTORY TAKING & PATIENT INTERACTION
The Psychiatric Interview - Core Principles
Before you start:
- Introduce yourself, state your purpose
- Establish voluntary vs. involuntary status FIRST
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality (HIPAA)
- State approximate time for interview
- Obtain informed consent
Special confidentiality rules:
- Tarasoff duty to warn - if patient threatens to harm a specific person, you MUST warn them (varies by state)
- Exceptions to confidentiality: child abuse, elder abuse, imminent danger to self/others
The Psychiatric History - Full Components
| Component | What to Cover |
|---|
| A. Identification | Name, age, sex, marital status, occupation, race, religion, who patient lives with |
| B. Chief Complaint | In patient's OWN words - why did they come? |
| C. History of Present Illness (HPI) | Chronologic onset, precipitating events, personality before illness, changes in mood/sleep/appetite/concentration/memory/libido, psychophysiological symptoms, anxiety type (free-floating vs. specific), how they cope |
| D. Past Psych & Medical History | Prior hospitalizations, medications, substance use, neurologic disorders, STDs |
| E. Family History | Mental illness in family, family dynamics, household composition |
| F. Personal History (Anamnesis) | Infancy through present - birth, development, feeding, toilet training, school, occupational, sexual, military, legal, religion |
Interview techniques:
- Open-ended questions first ("Tell me what brings you here today")
- Then closed/directive questions for specific symptoms
- Active listening, empathy, non-judgment
- Address transference and countertransference
Mental Status Examination (MSE) - MEMORIZE THIS
The MSE is like a "snapshot" of the patient's mental state at the time of examination.
A - Appearance
- Dress, grooming, hygiene, eye contact, apparent age vs. actual age, signs of physical illness
B - Behavior/Psychomotor Activity
- Agitation, retardation, tics, mannerisms, waxy flexibility, echopraxia, gait
C - Cooperation/Attitude
- Cooperative, hostile, evasive, seductive, guarded, suspicious
S - Speech
- Rate (fast/slow), rhythm, volume, tone, fluency
- Pressured speech = mania; poverty of speech = depression/schizophrenia; slurred = intoxication
M - Mood (subjective)
- Patient's own description: "I feel sad / empty / on top of the world"
A - Affect (objective)
- Examiner's observation of emotional expression
- Range: broad, restricted, blunted, flat
- Appropriateness: congruent vs. incongruent with mood
- Lability: rapid shifts
T - Thought Process (Form)
- Goal-directed (normal)
- Circumstantial: excessive unnecessary detail, eventually gets to point
- Tangential: never gets to point
- Loose associations: no logical connection between thoughts
- Flight of ideas: rapid switching, loosely connected (mania)
- Thought blocking: sudden stop in mid-thought
- Perseveration: repeating same word/idea
- Word salad: incoherent mix of words (severe schizophrenia)
- Clang associations: rhyming drives speech (schizophrenia)
- Neologisms: made-up words
T - Thought Content
- Delusions (fixed false beliefs): persecutory, grandiose, referential, somatic, jealous, erotomanic, nihilistic
- Obsessions, compulsions, phobias
- Suicidal/homicidal ideation (SI/HI) - always ask
- Ideas of reference vs. delusions of reference
P - Perception
- Hallucinations: auditory (most common in schizophrenia), visual (most common in organics/substances), tactile (cocaine/alcohol withdrawal), olfactory (temporal lobe epilepsy)
- Illusions: misperception of real stimulus
- Depersonalization: feeling detached from oneself
- Derealization: feeling environment is unreal
C - Cognition
- Orientation: person, place, time, situation (4 spheres)
- Attention/concentration: serial 7s, spell "WORLD" backward
- Memory: immediate (digit span), recent (3 objects at 5 min), remote (past presidents)
- Fund of knowledge: current events, history
- Abstract thinking: proverbs, similarities ("How are a watch and ruler alike?")
- Calculations: simple math
I - Insight
- Grade 1-6 (Kaplan) or absent/partial/full
- Complete denial of illness = no insight
J - Judgment
- "What would you do if you found a stamped letter on the sidewalk?"
- Social judgment vs. test judgment
Mnemonic: A-B-C-S-M-A-T-T-P-C-I-J = "A B-C Student Makes A Terrific Teacher/Professor Challenging Intelligent Juniors"
PART 2: MOOD DISORDERS
Key Distinguishing Framework
| Feature | MDD | Bipolar I | Bipolar II | Dysthymia | Cyclothymia |
|---|
| Depressive episode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Low-grade | Low-grade |
| Manic episode | No | YES | No | No | No |
| Hypomanic episode | No | Maybe | YES | No | Low-grade |
| Duration | ≥2 weeks | ≥1 week mania | ≥4 days hypomania | ≥2 years | ≥2 years |
| Hospitalization needed | No | Yes (mania) | No | No | No |
| Psychosis possible | Rarely | Yes | No | No | No |
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
DSM-5 Criteria - SIG E CAPS (at least 5 of 9, ≥2 weeks, at least one = depressed mood OR anhedonia):
- S - Sleep changes (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- I - Interest loss / anhedonia
- G - Guilt / worthlessness
- E - Energy loss / fatigue
- C - Concentration difficulty
- A - Appetite changes (weight loss/gain >5% in 1 month)
- P - Psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation)
- S - Suicidal ideation / thoughts of death
Must cause significant distress/functional impairment. Not due to substances, medical condition, or bereavement.
Subtypes:
- With melancholic features: Anhedonia, morning worsening, early morning awakening, guilt, psychomotor changes, loss of mood reactivity
- With atypical features: Mood REACTIVITY (can be cheered up), hypersomnia, leaden paralysis, rejection sensitivity, hyperphagia
- With psychotic features: Mood-congruent delusions (poverty, guilt, death) or hallucinations
- With catatonic features: Motor abnormalities
- Seasonal (SAD): Fall/winter onset, spring remission, atypical features common
- Peripartum onset: During pregnancy or ≤4 weeks postpartum
- With anxious distress: Tension, worry, feeling keyed up
Pathophysiology:
- Monoamine hypothesis: deficiency of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA)
- Neuroendocrine: elevated cortisol, HPA axis dysregulation; DST (dexamethasone suppression test) - non-suppression in ~50% of MDD
- Neuroimaging: decreased frontal lobe activity, decreased hippocampal volume
- Sleep EEG: shortened REM latency, increased REM density, decreased slow-wave sleep
- Genetic: 50% concordance in MZ twins, 10-25% in first-degree relatives
Treatment:
- First-line: SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram)
- SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine) - also for anxiety comorbidities
- TCAs (amitriptyline, imipramine) - effective but cardiotoxic in overdose; side effects = ANTI (Anticholinergic, Norepinephrine reuptake, Tricyclic, Increase QTc)
- MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine) - last resort; tyramine diet required; risk of hypertensive crisis
- Atypicals: bupropion (no sexual dysfunction, no weight gain, lowers seizure threshold); mirtazapine (sedating, weight gain, no sexual dysfunction); vortioxetine
- Psychotherapy: CBT, IPT equally effective as medications for mild-moderate
- ECT: for severe, refractory, or psychotic depression; fastest onset; also used in pregnancy; safe but temporary memory loss
- Treatment-resistant: augment with lithium, atypical antipsychotic, or T3; switch agents; add psychotherapy
Course: Average episode = 6-9 months untreated. 50% have recurrence. Rule of thirds: 1/3 recover fully, 1/3 partial recovery, 1/3 chronic.
Bipolar Disorder
Manic Episode (required for Bipolar I)
DSM-5 - DIG FAST (duration ≥1 week or hospitalized or psychotic):
- D - Distractibility
- I - Impulsivity / reckless behavior
- G - Grandiosity
- F - Flight of ideas
- A - Activity increase (goal-directed) / psychomotor agitation
- S - Sleep decreased (not insomnia - doesn't feel need)
- T - Talkativeness / pressured speech
Must be ≥3 criteria (4 if mood is just irritable, not elevated/expansive).
Hypomanic episode: Same criteria but only ≥4 days, not severe enough for hospitalization, no psychosis, no marked impairment.
Mixed features: Both depressive AND manic symptoms simultaneously - highest suicide risk.
Pathophysiology:
- Dysregulation of intracellular signaling (protein kinase C, inositol)
- Genetic: strongest of all psychiatric disorders - 80-90% MZ concordance
- Kindling: each episode lowers threshold for next
- Circadian rhythm dysregulation (sleep deprivation can trigger mania)
Treatment of Mania (acute):
- Lithium (first-line, gold standard for classic euphoric mania)
- Valproate (faster onset, preferred for mixed/dysphoric mania, rapid cycling)
- Atypical antipsychotics: olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone (fastest for severe mania)
- Haloperidol for acute agitation
- Benzodiazepines (adjunct for agitation/sleep)
Lithium - key facts:
- Narrow therapeutic index: 0.8-1.2 mEq/L therapeutic, >1.5 toxic
- Toxicity signs: tremor, ataxia, confusion, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, death
- Side effects: polyuria/polydipsia (nephrogenic DI), hypothyroidism, weight gain, acne, tremor, teratogenic (Ebstein's anomaly)
- Monitor: lithium levels, TSH, BUN/Cr, ECG, pregnancy test
- NSAIDs, thiazides, ACE inhibitors all INCREASE lithium levels (dangerous)
Maintenance therapy:
- Lithium (best for suicide prevention - reduces risk by 80%)
- Lamotrigine (especially for bipolar II depression)
- Valproate, carbamazepine
- Avoid antidepressants alone (can precipitate mania/rapid cycling)
Bipolar Depression treatment: Quetiapine, lithium + lamotrigine, lurasidone; avoid antidepressant monotherapy
Rapid cycling: ≥4 mood episodes/year; associated with hypothyroidism, antidepressant use; treat with valproate, lamotrigine
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Depressed mood ≥2 years (in adults), never symptom-free >2 months
- ≥2 of: poor appetite/overeating, insomnia/hypersomnia, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, hopelessness
- "Double depression" = MDD superimposed on dysthymia
- Treatment: SSRIs + psychotherapy (CBT)
Cyclothymic Disorder
- ≥2 years of hypomanic + depressive symptoms, never full episode criteria
- "Soft" bipolar spectrum disorder
PART 3: ANXIETY DISORDERS
Quick Distinguishing Guide
| Disorder | Core Feature | Key Trigger | Avoidance | Physical Sx |
|---|
| GAD | Excessive worry, multiple topics | Everything | No | Muscle tension, fatigue |
| Panic Disorder | Recurrent unexpected panic attacks + anticipatory anxiety | No specific trigger (unexpected) | Yes (agoraphobia) | Palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea |
| Social Anxiety | Fear of scrutiny/embarrassment | Social situations | Yes (social) | Flushing, tremor |
| Specific Phobia | Fear of specific object/situation | Specific stimulus | Yes (specific) | Immediate anxiety |
| Agoraphobia | Fear of escape being difficult | Crowds, transport, open spaces | Yes (broad) | Panic-like |
| Separation Anxiety | Fear of separation from attachment | Separation | School refusal | Somatic complaints |
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
DSM-5: Excessive anxiety/worry about multiple topics, ≥6 months, difficult to control.
≥3 of (just 1 for children):
- Restlessness / feeling keyed up or on edge
- Easily fatigued
- Concentration difficulty / mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance
Mnemonic: REST CIM - Restlessness, Energy low, Sleep problems, Tension (muscle), Concentration poor, Irritability, Mind goes blank
Pathophysiology:
- GABA deficiency (benzodiazepine receptor dysregulation)
- Increased NE (locus coeruleus overactivation)
- 5-HT dysregulation
- Frontal cortex-amygdala hyperactivation
Treatment:
- First-line: SSRIs/SNRIs (takes 2-4 weeks)
- Buspirone (non-addictive, takes 2-4 weeks, 5-HT1A agonist - good for chronic GAD)
- Benzodiazepines: short-term only (risk of dependence/tolerance), avoid in substance abuse
- Pregabalin (especially in Europe)
- CBT (most durable long-term outcome)
- Hydroxyzine (good for elderly or substance users)
Key distinguishing: Worry is the core, not panic attacks; no specific trigger; worry is hard to control and out of proportion
Panic Disorder
Panic Attack (can occur in any anxiety disorder): Abrupt surge of intense fear, peaks within 10 minutes, ≥4 of:
- Palpitations, pounding heart
- Sweating
- Trembling/shaking
- Shortness of breath / smothering
- Choking sensation
- Chest pain / discomfort
- Nausea / abdominal distress
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness
- Chills or hot flushes
- Paresthesias (numbness/tingling)
- Derealization or depersonalization
- Fear of losing control / "going crazy"
- Fear of dying
Panic Disorder DSM-5: Recurrent UNEXPECTED panic attacks + ≥1 month of:
- Persistent worry about more attacks or their consequences (anticipatory anxiety)
- OR significant behavioral change (avoidance)
Key word: UNEXPECTED (uncued) - distinguishes from specific phobia or social anxiety where attacks are cued
Pathophysiology:
- Locus coeruleus (NE) hyperactivation
- CO2 hypersensitivity (suffocation alarm theory - Klein)
- Lactate infusion and CO2 inhalation provoke panic in susceptible individuals
- Amygdala-based fear network overactivity
Treatment:
- First-line: SSRIs + CBT (most effective combination)
- SNRIs (venlafaxine)
- Imipramine (TCA - effective but SE profile)
- Benzodiazepines: short-term bridge while SSRI takes effect, NOT for long-term
- CBT alone: interoceptive exposure + breathing retraining + cognitive restructuring
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sleep deprivation (triggers)
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Fear of being scrutinized, embarrassed, humiliated in social/performance situations
- Recognizes fear as excessive (except in children)
- Exposure causes immediate anxiety or panic
- Avoidance or endurance with great distress
- ≥6 months, not due to substance/medical condition
Subtypes: Performance only (public speaking) vs. generalized (all social situations)
Distinguishing: Fear is specifically about negative evaluation by others; "What will they think of me?"
Treatment:
- First-line: SSRIs or SNRIs (paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine)
- CBT with exposure (gold standard for long-term)
- Performance subtype: propranolol (beta-blocker) as needed before performance
- Phenelzine (MAOI) - effective but reserve for refractory cases
Specific Phobia
- Persistent, excessive fear of specific object or situation (animals, natural environment, blood-injection-injury, situational, other)
- Immediate anxiety response to stimulus
- Active avoidance
- ≥6 months
Blood-Injection-Injury (BII) type is unique: Vasovagal response (heart rate and BP DROP, causing fainting) - treatment uses applied tension technique (tense muscles)
Treatment: Exposure therapy (systematic desensitization or in vivo exposure) - most effective; medications generally not helpful
Agoraphobia
- Fear/anxiety in ≥2 situations: public transport, open spaces, enclosed spaces, crowds, being outside alone
- Fear of escape being impossible or help unavailable if panic attack occurs
- ≥6 months
- Diagnose independently of panic disorder in DSM-5 (can have panic disorder + agoraphobia = two diagnoses)
OCD (now in its own category - Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders)
- Obsessions: Recurrent, intrusive, unwanted thoughts/images/urges causing anxiety; person tries to neutralize them
- Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts to reduce anxiety from obsessions; not pleasurable
- Time-consuming (>1 hour/day) or causes significant distress/impairment
- Person recognizes they are excessive (with insight specifier)
Common obsession-compulsion pairs:
- Contamination → washing/cleaning
- Harm/doubt → checking
- Symmetry/order → arranging, counting
- Forbidden thoughts (sexual, religious) → mental rituals, praying
Pathophysiology:
- Orbitofrontal cortex - striatum (caudate nucleus) - thalamus circuit hyperactivation (cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loop)
- 5-HT system dysregulation (responds to SRIs, not pure NRIs)
Treatment:
- First-line: SSRIs at HIGH doses (higher than depression doses) + ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention - type of CBT)
- Clomipramine (TCA): most potent anti-OCD, but SE profile limits use to SSRI failures
- Augmentation for partial response: atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, risperidone)
- DBS or cingulotomy for severe refractory OCD
Distinguishing OCD from OCPD (personality disorder):
- OCD: ego-dystonic (unwanted, distressing), has obsessions AND compulsions
- OCPD: ego-syntonic (feels right/preferable), perfectionism without true obsessions
PTSD (Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders)
Diagnostic criteria (4 clusters):
- B - Re-experiencing (Intrusion): Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, psychological/physiological reactivity to trauma cues
- C - Avoidance: Avoiding trauma-related thoughts/feelings OR trauma-related external reminders
- D - Negative alterations in cognition/mood: Amnesia for trauma, negative beliefs, blame, persistent negative emotions, anhedonia, detachment, restricted affect
- E - Hyperarousal/Reactivity: Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle, sleep disturbance, irritability, reckless behavior, concentration problems
All ≥1 month after trauma. Two diagnoses possible: ASD (Acute Stress Disorder) = 3 days to 1 month after trauma; PTSD = >1 month.
Treatment:
- First-line: Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - both evidence-based trauma-focused CBT
- Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine - FDA approved), SNRIs (venlafaxine)
- Prazosin: for nightmares (alpha-1 blocker)
- Avoid benzodiazepines (worsens PTSD long-term)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): evidence-based
PART 4: COGNITIVE DISORDERS
Delirium vs. Dementia - THE KEY COMPARISON
| Feature | Delirium | Dementia |
|---|
| Onset | Acute (hours-days) | Gradual (months-years) |
| Course | Fluctuating | Slowly progressive |
| Attention | SEVERELY impaired (hallmark) | Relatively preserved early |
| Consciousness | Impaired/clouded | Clear until late stages |
| Orientation | Disoriented | Preserved early |
| Hallucinations | Common (especially visual) | Less common (except Lewy body) |
| Reversibility | Usually reversible (treat cause) | Usually irreversible |
| Sleep-wake cycle | Disrupted (day-night reversal) | Disrupted later |
| Psychomotor | Hyper or hypo (or mixed) | Usually normal early |
Key exam point: In delirium, impaired ATTENTION is the hallmark feature. In dementia, MEMORY impairment is the hallmark (especially new learning).
Delirium
DSM-5: Disturbance of attention AND awareness, developing over a short period, fluctuating, plus ≥1 additional cognitive disturbance (memory, orientation, language, visuospatial, perception), not explained by pre-existing neurocognitive disorder, not in coma.
Subtypes:
- Hyperactive: agitation, restlessness, combativeness (easier to recognize)
- Hypoactive: quiet, withdrawn, somnolent (most often missed, worst prognosis)
- Mixed: alternates between hyper and hypo
Causes - I WATCH DEATH (mnemonic):
- I - Infection (UTI, pneumonia most common in elderly)
- W - Withdrawal (alcohol, benzos)
- A - Acute metabolic (electrolytes, uremia, hepatic, glucose)
- T - Trauma (head injury, surgery, burns)
- C - CNS pathology (stroke, meningitis, seizure)
- H - Hypoxia
- D - Deficiencies (B12, thiamine, folate)
- E - Endocrine (thyroid, adrenal, glucose)
- A - Acute vascular (MI, hypertensive emergency)
- T - Toxins/drugs (anticholinergics, opioids, steroids, polypharmacy)
- H - Heavy metals
Risk factors: Elderly, pre-existing dementia, post-surgical, ICU, sensory impairment, polypharmacy, dehydration.
Sundowning: Worsening confusion in late afternoon/evening - common in dementia but can occur in delirium.
Treatment:
- Treat underlying cause (PRIMARY)
- Non-pharmacological: reorientation, familiar faces, keep lights on during day, restore sleep-wake cycle, avoid restraints, early mobilization, hearing/vision aids
- Haloperidol: most commonly used; low doses, IV or IM for acute agitation
- Atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine preferred in elderly/Parkinson's)
- Avoid benzodiazepines EXCEPT in alcohol/benzo withdrawal delirium (then benzos are first-line)
- Avoid anticholinergic medications
Dementia (Major Neurocognitive Disorder)
DSM-5 Criteria (Major NCD):
- Significant cognitive decline from previous level in ≥1 cognitive domain
- Domains: complex attention, executive function, learning/memory, language, perceptual-motor, social cognition
- Deficits interfere with daily activities (IADLs/ADLs)
- Not better explained by delirium or another psychiatric disorder
Mild NCD: Same but modest decline, does not interfere with independence.
Types of Dementia - Key Distinguishing Features
1. Alzheimer's Disease (most common - 60-80%)
- Insidious onset, gradual progression
- Memory impairment FIRST (especially episodic memory, new learning)
- Then: language (aphasia), apraxia, agnosia, executive dysfunction
- Pathology: amyloid-beta plaques (extracellular), neurofibrillary tangles (tau, intracellular), neuritic plaques
- Neurotransmitter: ACh deficiency (loss of nucleus basalis of Meynert)
- Genetics: APOE4 allele (risk factor); early-onset familial AD: APP, PSEN1, PSEN2 mutations
- Imaging: diffuse cortical atrophy, hippocampal atrophy, widened sulci
- Biomarkers: decreased Abeta42, increased tau/p-tau in CSF; amyloid PET positive
- Treatment: AChE inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) - mild to moderate; memantine (NMDA antagonist) for moderate-severe; combination for severe; aducanumab/lecanemab (anti-amyloid antibodies - newer)
2. Vascular Dementia (2nd most common)
- Stepwise/abrupt progression (not gradual)
- History of stroke, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis
- Executive dysfunction and FOCAL neurological signs early
- Memory less impaired than Alzheimer's early
- Imaging: white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts, cortical infarcts
- Treatment: control vascular risk factors (BP, lipids, glucose, antiplatelet)
3. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
- TRIAD: (1) Fluctuating cognition + alertness, (2) Recurrent visual hallucinations (detailed, vivid - often animals/people), (3) Parkinsonism (bradykinesia, rigidity, shuffling gait)
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): acts out dreams - often precedes by years
- Extreme neuroleptic sensitivity: even low-dose haloperidol can cause severe EPS/death - AVOID typical antipsychotics
- Pathology: Lewy bodies (alpha-synuclein inclusions) in cortex and brainstem
- Treatment: rivastigmine preferred; quetiapine if antipsychotic needed; levodopa for Parkinsonism (cautiously)
4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
- Younger onset (50s-60s)
- Personality and behavior change FIRST (behavioral variant): disinhibition, apathy, loss of empathy, compulsive behaviors, hyperorality (putting things in mouth)
- Memory relatively preserved early
- Language variants: Primary Progressive Aphasia (semantic or nonfluent/agrammatic)
- Pathology: tau or TDP-43 inclusions; Pick bodies (in Pick disease subtype)
- Treatment: SSRIs for behavioral symptoms, no disease-modifying treatment
5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
- Classic TRIAD (Hakim's triad): Wet (urinary incontinence), Wobbly (magnetic gait - feet stuck to floor), Wacky (dementia)
- Imaging: hydrocephalus out of proportion to atrophy, periventricular lucencies
- Treatment: VP shunt (gait improves most dramatically)
- Distinguishing: reversible cause of dementia!
Dementia Distinguishing Table:
| Type | First symptom | Key features | Distinguishing test |
|---|
| Alzheimer's | Memory | Gradual, aphasia/apraxia later | Amyloid PET, CSF tau/Abeta |
| Vascular | Executive | Stepwise, focal neuro signs | MRI white matter changes |
| Lewy Body | Cognition fluctuation | Visual hallucinations, Parkinsonism, RBD | DaTscan |
| FTD | Personality/behavior | Young onset, hyperorality, disinhibition | FDG-PET frontal hypometabolism |
| NPH | Gait | "Wet, wobbly, wacky" | LP large-volume tap → improvement |
PART 5: PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Overview and Classification (DSM-5 Clusters)
Cluster A - "Weird/Odd" (associated with schizophrenia spectrum)
- Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
Cluster B - "Wild/Dramatic" (associated with mood disorders/impulse problems)
- Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic
Cluster C - "Worried/Anxious" (associated with anxiety disorders)
- Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive
General criteria: Enduring, inflexible, pervasive pattern across multiple contexts; present from adolescence; causes significant distress/impairment; stable over time; not explained by another disorder.
CLUSTER A
Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Pervasive distrust and suspicion: others' motives interpreted as malevolent
- Bears grudges, reads hidden demeaning messages in benign events
- Suspects spouse of infidelity without justification
- Key: Unlike schizophrenia - NO psychosis, NO hallucinations
- Treatment: psychotherapy (supportive, CBT); low-dose antipsychotics if very paranoid
Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Detachment from social relationships, restricted emotional expression
- Chooses solitary activities, has no desire for relationships (including sexual)
- Indifferent to praise or criticism
- "Loner by choice" - no distress about social isolation
- Key: Unlike schizotypal - NO odd beliefs/magical thinking/perceptual distortions
- Treatment: psychotherapy; social skills training
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- Social isolation + odd beliefs + perceptual distortions + eccentric behavior
- Ideas of reference (not delusions), magical thinking, odd speech, unusual perceptual experiences
- Excessive social anxiety that does not diminish with familiarity
- Most closely related to schizophrenia genetically (spectrum disorder)
- Key distinguishing: IDEAS of reference (not delusions of reference), magical thinking, but no frank psychosis
- Treatment: low-dose antipsychotics for perceptual/cognitive symptoms; SSRIs for anxiety; psychotherapy
CLUSTER B
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
- Pervasive disregard for/violation of rights of others since age 15
- Must be ≥18 years old AND have conduct disorder before age 15
- DSM-5: ≥3 of: failure to conform to laws, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability/aggressiveness, reckless disregard for safety, consistent irresponsibility, lack of remorse
- Callous-unemotional traits, cannot feel guilt
- Key distinguishing: CONDUCT DISORDER history required (the only personality disorder with this requirement)
- Not diagnosed if exclusively during schizophrenia or bipolar
- Treatment: very difficult to treat; therapy (CBT); medications for aggression (mood stabilizers, SSRIs); structured environments
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
-
Pervasive instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, affect, and marked impulsivity
-
DSM-5 criteria - AIM SELF: ≥5 of:
- A - Abandonment fear (frantic efforts to avoid real/imagined abandonment)
- I - Identity disturbance (unstable self-image)
- M - Moods (affective instability, intense dysphoria, irritability, anxiety lasting hours)
- S - Self-destructive behavior (suicidal threats/attempts, self-mutilation)
- E - Emptiness (chronic feelings of emptiness)
- L - Love/relationships (unstable and intense - idealization and devaluation = "splitting")
- F - Fury/anger (inappropriate, intense anger)
- Plus: dissociative episodes, transient paranoid ideation under stress; impulsive self-damaging behavior (sex, spending, eating, substance use)
-
Hallmark defenses: splitting (seeing others as all good or all bad), projection, acting out, projective identification
-
Comorbidities: High PTSD, MDD, substance use, eating disorders
-
Suicide risk: 8-10% complete suicide (very high)
-
Treatment:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): GOLD STANDARD - skills in distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
- Schema-Focused Therapy
- Pharmacotherapy: not for BPD itself, but target specific symptoms
- Mood instability: mood stabilizers (lamotrigine, valproate)
- Impulsivity: atypical antipsychotics
- Depressive symptoms: SSRIs
- Avoid MAOIs and TCAs (impulsivity + overdose risk)
Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
- ≥5 of: discomfort when not center of attention, sexually provocative behavior, rapidly shifting/shallow emotions, use of appearance for attention, impressionistic speech, self-dramatization/theatricality, suggestible, considers relationships more intimate than they are
- Key: Emotions are shallow and rapidly shifting (vs. BPD where emotions are intense and deep); no splitting
- Treatment: psychotherapy; SSRIs for anxiety/depression
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
- Grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy
- ≥5 of: grandiose sense of self-importance, preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, believes self special/unique, requires excessive admiration, sense of entitlement, interpersonally exploitative, lacks empathy, envious of others, arrogant
- Key: "Fragile self-esteem behind grandiosity" - underneath is vulnerability to criticism (narcissistic injury → narcissistic rage)
- Comorbid depression common when grandiosity is challenged
- Treatment: psychotherapy (difficult); may present only when depressed or after injury
CLUSTER C
Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to negative evaluation
- Avoids activities involving interpersonal contact due to fear of criticism
- Desires relationships but too afraid
- Key distinguishing from schizoid: WANTS social connection but is afraid (vs. schizoid who doesn't want it); also distinguish from social anxiety disorder - in AvPD, pattern is pervasive across all life domains, lifelong, ego-syntonic
- Treatment: SSRIs, psychotherapy, gradual exposure
Dependent Personality Disorder
- Excessive need to be taken care of, submissiveness, clinging behavior, fear of separation
- Difficulty making daily decisions without reassurance; needs others to assume responsibility; doesn't initiate; agrees to avoid conflict; urgently seeks another relationship when one ends
- Key: Needs someone to be dependent ON (vs. BPD who fears abandonment but also has impulsivity)
- Treatment: CBT, assertiveness training; avoid long-term benzodiazepines
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
- Preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, mental and interpersonal control at expense of flexibility
- Hoarding (saves worthless objects), work over leisure, rigid/stubborn, unable to delegate, miserly
- Key distinguishing from OCD:
- OCPD: ego-syntonic (feels these traits are correct/desirable), no true obsessions or compulsions, general personality style
- OCD: ego-dystonic (obsessions are unwanted and distressing), specific obsessions and compulsions, recognizes they are unreasonable
- Treatment: CBT; SSRIs for rigidity
PART 6: EATING DISORDERS
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Anorexia Nervosa | Bulimia Nervosa | Binge Eating Disorder |
|---|
| Weight | Significantly low (BMI <17.5) | Normal or above normal | Overweight/obese usually |
| Binging | No (or small amounts) | Yes | Yes |
| Purging | May restrict or purge | Yes (purging type) | No |
| Body image | Severely distorted | Mildly distorted | Can be |
| Insight | Poor (ego-syntonic) | Better (ego-dystonic) | Present |
| Mortality | HIGHEST of all psychiatric disorders | Lower | Lowest |
| Amenorrhea | Yes (in females) | Possible | No |
Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
DSM-5 Criteria:
- Restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight (BMI <18.5 adult; <5th percentile child)
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat (or persistent behavior to prevent weight gain)
- Disturbance in how body weight/shape is experienced; undue influence of body weight on self-evaluation; persistent lack of recognition of seriousness of low body weight
Subtypes:
- Restricting type: diet, fasting, excessive exercise only
- Binge-eating/purging type: also binges and/or purges
Medical Complications (HIGH YIELD):
- Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, hypotension, prolonged QTc, arrhythmias (most common cause of death), cardiomyopathy
- Metabolic: Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, hypoglycemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis (purging) or metabolic acidosis (laxative abuse)
- Renal: Prerenal azotemia, hypokalemic nephropathy
- Hematologic: Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
- Endocrine: Amenorrhea (hypothalamic dysfunction), low estrogen, low LH/FSH, low T3/T4, high cortisol, low IGF-1
- Bone: Osteoporosis (low estrogen + nutrition)
- GI: Delayed gastric emptying, constipation
- Dermatologic: Lanugo hair (fine body hair), dry skin, hair loss (telogen effluvium), hypercarotenemia (yellowish skin)
- Neurologic: Cerebral atrophy (may be reversible)
Refeeding Syndrome (critical): Rapid refeeding causes sudden shift of phosphate into cells → severe hypophosphatemia → cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, rhabdomyolysis. Prevent by slow, gradual refeeding.
Prognosis: Highest mortality of ALL psychiatric disorders (~5-10% per decade); about 50% fully recover, 30% partially, 20% remain chronic.
Treatment:
- Hospitalization indications: BMI <15, bradycardia (<50 bpm), BP <90/60, electrolyte abnormalities, syncope, rapid weight loss
- Nutritional rehabilitation (primary goal - restore weight)
- FBT (Family-Based Treatment / "Maudsley approach"): GOLD STANDARD for adolescents
- CBT-E (Enhanced CBT): best evidence for adults
- No FDA-approved medications for AN
- Olanzapine: modest evidence for weight gain, anxiety reduction
- Avoid bupropion (lowers seizure threshold, contraindicated in eating disorders)
- SSRIs: not effective for core AN symptoms; may help comorbid depression/anxiety after weight restoration
Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
DSM-5 Criteria:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts in discrete period + lack of control)
- Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (purging: self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas; or non-purging: fasting, excessive exercise)
- At least once weekly for 3 months
- Self-evaluation unduly influenced by body shape/weight
- Does NOT occur exclusively during AN episodes
Subtypes:
- Purging type (most common): vomiting, laxatives, diuretics
- Non-purging type: fasting or excessive exercise
Physical Signs of Self-Induced Vomiting:
- Russell's sign: Calluses/scars on dorsum of hand from teeth during purging
- Parotid/salivary gland enlargement (chipmunk cheeks) - from repeated vomiting
- Dental erosion (perimylolysis) on inner surfaces of teeth from gastric acid
- Hoarse voice, esophageal tears
- Low potassium (hypokalemia) → metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic abnormalities: Hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis (most common)
Treatment:
- CBT (gold standard) - directly addresses binge-purge cycle
- SSRIs: fluoxetine at HIGH dose (60 mg/day) - FDA approved for BN
- IPT (Interpersonal therapy)
- Avoid: bupropion (contraindicated), MAOIs
- Normalize eating, stop purging, address cognitive distortions about weight/shape
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
DSM-5: Recurrent binge episodes + ≥3 of: eating rapidly, eating until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts when not physically hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, feeling disgusted/depressed/guilty after. Once weekly for 3 months. Marked distress. No compensatory behaviors.
- Most common eating disorder
- Associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome
- Treatment: CBT, IPT; lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) FDA approved; SSRIs
PART 7: SOMATOFORM DISORDERS (DSM-5: Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders)
Category Overview
DSM-5 replaced the old "somatoform disorders" with new categories:
| Old DSM-IV | New DSM-5 |
|---|
| Somatization disorder | Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) |
| Pain disorder | SSD with predominant pain |
| Hypochondriasis | Illness Anxiety Disorder (half) OR SSD (other half) |
| Conversion disorder | Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder |
| Body dysmorphic disorder | Moved to OCD-related chapter |
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)
DSM-5 Criteria:
- One or more somatic symptoms causing distress or disruption
- Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to symptoms - ≥1 of:
- Disproportionate/persistent thoughts about seriousness
- Persistently high anxiety about health/symptoms
- Excessive time/energy devoted to symptoms
- ≥6 months (though individual symptoms may not be constant)
Key change from DSM-IV: Symptoms do NOT need to be medically unexplained. The disorder is diagnosed by the EXCESSIVE psychological response to symptoms, not by absence of medical explanation.
With predominant pain specifier: When pain is the main complaint.
Illness Anxiety Disorder (Health Anxiety / Hypochondriasis)
- Preoccupied with having or acquiring a serious illness
- Somatic symptoms are absent or mild; preoccupation is about HAVING a disease
- High illness anxiety, easily alarmed, excessive health behaviors (checking, doctor-seeking) or avoidance
- ≥6 months
- NOT better explained by another mental disorder
Distinguishing SSD vs. IAD:
- SSD: somatic symptoms ARE present, distress/preoccupation is about the symptoms
- IAD: symptoms are absent or mild; preoccupation is about having a serious undiagnosed disease
Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder)
DSM-5:
- ≥1 symptom of altered voluntary motor or sensory function
- Clinical findings provide evidence of incompatibility with recognized neurological/medical conditions
- Not better explained by another disorder
Key symptoms:
- Motor: weakness/paralysis, tremor, gait abnormalities, non-epileptic seizures (pseudoseizures), dystonia
- Sensory: anesthesia, visual loss/blindness, hearing loss, speech disorder (aphonia)
Important clinical signs of incompatibility with organic disease:
- Hoover's sign: weakness of hip extension improves when the other leg flexes against resistance
- La belle indifférence: apparent lack of concern about symptoms (classically associated, but not pathognomonic and unreliable)
- Inconsistency: weakness worse when observed, improves when distracted
- Non-anatomic sensory loss (glove-stocking not following dermatomes, midline splitting of vibration sense)
- Non-epileptic seizures: eyes closed during "seizure," pelvic thrusting, prolonged, no post-ictal confusion, normal EEG
Pathophysiology: Abnormal top-down inhibition from prefrontal cortex; psychological stress → abnormal motor/sensory processing; unconscious process
Note: Psychological stressor no longer required in DSM-5 (but often present)
Treatment: Psychoeducation (explaining the diagnosis non-stigmatically as a real disorder), physiotherapy/occupational therapy, CBT, address comorbid psychiatric disorders; good prognosis if recent onset
Factitious Disorder
- Intentionally producing or feigning symptoms TO ASSUME THE SICK ROLE
- Internal motivation (primary gain = being a patient)
- NOT for external incentives (that would be malingering)
Munchausen syndrome: Severe, chronic factitious disorder with extensive hospital-seeking
Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (formerly Munchausen by proxy): Caregiver produces symptoms in another person (child, elderly)
Malingering (NOT a psychiatric disorder)
- Intentional production of symptoms for EXTERNAL gain (money, avoid legal consequences, disability benefits, avoid military duty)
- Diagnosed when: medicolegal context, discrepancy between claimed distress and objective findings, antisocial personality disorder present, poor compliance
- Treat underlying conditions; do not confront aggressively
Key Distinguishing Points for Case Questions:
| Disorder | Conscious? | Motivated by? | Symptoms medically explained? |
|---|
| SSD | No (genuine distress) | - | Can be |
| Conversion | No | - | No |
| Factitious | Yes | Sick role (internal) | No (feigned/produced) |
| Malingering | Yes | External gain | No (feigned/produced) |
PART 8: BONUS - HIGH-YIELD PHARMACOLOGY REFERENCE
Antidepressant Side Effects Quick Review
| Drug Class | Key Side Effects | Overdose Risk |
|---|
| SSRIs | Sexual dysfunction, GI upset, insomnia/sedation, serotonin syndrome, QTc prolongation (citalopram > others), hyponatremia (SIADH), weight gain (paroxetine > others) | Low (unless + MAOI → serotonin syndrome) |
| SNRIs | All SSRI + hypertension, urinary retention | Low |
| Bupropion | Seizures, insomnia, no sexual SE, weight loss | Moderate |
| Mirtazapine | Sedation, weight gain, dry mouth; NO sexual SE | Low |
| TCAs | Anticholinergic (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision, confusion), cardiac (QTc, arrhythmia), orthostatic hypotension, sedation | HIGH - 3C's: convulsions, coma, cardiotoxicity |
| MAOIs | Hypertensive crisis (tyramine), serotonin syndrome (with SSRIs/meperidine), orthostatic hypotension, sexual dysfunction | HIGH |
Serotonin Syndrome (SSRIs + MAOIs): Triad: Hyperthermia + Agitation + Neuromuscular changes (myoclonus, hyperreflexia, clonus) - EMERGENT. Treat: stop drugs, cyproheptadine, supportive care.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (antipsychotics): FALTER: Fever, Autonomic instability, Leukocytosis, Tremor, Elevated CK, Rigidity ("lead pipe"). Treat: stop antipsychotic, dantrolene, bromocriptine, supportive care.
Antipsychotic Side Effects
| Side Effect | Typical AP | Atypical AP | Management |
|---|
| EPS (acute dystonia) | +++ | + | Benztropine, diphenhydramine |
| Akathisia | +++ | + | Beta-blockers, benzodiazepines |
| Tardive dyskinesia | +++ (late) | + (rare) | Valbenazine, tetrabenazine; switch to clozapine |
| NMS | Any | Any | Dantrolene, bromocriptine |
| Metabolic syndrome | + | +++ (clozapine, olanzapine) | Monitor weight/glucose/lipids |
| Prolactin elevation | +++ | + (risperidone mainly) | - |
| Agranulocytosis | - | Clozapine (1-2%) | Weekly CBC with clozapine |
| QTc prolongation | Haloperidol, thioridazine | Ziprasidone | ECG monitoring |
Clozapine: Reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (failed 2 antipsychotics) and for suicidality in schizophrenia; MOST EFFECTIVE antipsychotic; requires weekly CBC monitoring for agranulocytosis.
CASE-BASED QUESTION APPROACH
Step 1: Read the vignette carefully for "anchor features"
Age + onset: Elderly + acute confusion = delirium first; young woman + restricting food = eating disorder
Onset pattern: Acute = delirium, panic, manic episode; Gradual = dementia, dysthymia, personality disorder; Episodic = bipolar, panic disorder
Family history: Very strong family history → bipolar disorder (highest genetic loading), schizophrenia
Trigger vs. no trigger: Specific trigger → phobia/PTSD/acute stress; No trigger → GAD, panic disorder, MDD
Step 2: Look for the pathognomonic features
| Pathognomonic / Highly Specific Feature | Diagnosis |
|---|
| Conduct disorder before age 15 | ASPD |
| Unexpected panic attacks + anticipatory worry | Panic disorder |
| Splitting (idealization/devaluation) + self-harm + abandonment fear | BPD |
| "Wet, wobbly, wacky" triad | NPH |
| Visual hallucinations + Parkinsonism + fluctuation | Lewy Body Dementia |
| Russell's sign + parotid enlargement | Bulimia Nervosa |
| Lanugo + amenorrhea + BMI <17.5 | Anorexia Nervosa |
| La belle indifférence + non-anatomic weakness | Conversion Disorder |
| Hoover's sign | Functional neurological disorder |
| Ego-dystonic obsessions + compulsions | OCD |
| Ego-syntonic perfectionism + hoarding | OCPD |
Step 3: Treatment questions follow these rules
- "Best initial therapy" for most disorders = psychotherapy (CBT or specific type)
- "First-line pharmacotherapy" for most anxiety and depressive disorders = SSRIs
- Acute mania = mood stabilizer or atypical antipsychotic
- Acute psychosis = antipsychotic
- Alcohol withdrawal delirium = benzodiazepines (NOT haloperidol)
- OCD = high-dose SSRIs + ERP
- PTSD = trauma-focused CBT (PE or CPT), then SSRIs
- BPD = DBT
- AN = FBT (adolescents), CBT-E (adults)
- ECT = fastest-acting treatment, for severe/refractory/psychotic depression, or when medications are contraindicated (pregnancy)
HIGH-YIELD FACTS FOR EXAM DAY
-
Suicide risk factors (SAD PERSONS): Sex (male), Age (elderly or adolescent), Depression, Previous attempts, Ethanol/substance use, Rational thinking lost (psychosis), Social support lacking, Organized plan, No spouse (widowed/divorced/single), Sickness (chronic illness). Previous attempt = single best predictor of completion.
-
Most common psychiatric comorbidity with any disorder: Anxiety + Depression frequently coexist.
-
Highest suicide risk in mood disorders: Mixed states in bipolar disorder.
-
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of all psychiatric disorders.
-
ECT is not contraindicated in pregnancy - it's one of the safest options.
-
Lithium is the only drug proven to reduce suicide in bipolar disorder.
-
Clozapine is the only drug proven to reduce suicide in schizophrenia.
-
DST (Dexamethasone Suppression Test): Non-suppression in ~50% of melancholic MDD - not specific enough to diagnose, but supports diagnosis.
-
REM sleep in depression: Shortened REM latency (REM comes earlier than normal).
-
Anticholinergic mnemonic: "Blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone, the bowel and bladder lose their tone" → blurry vision, confusion, flushing, hyperthermia, dry skin, urinary retention/constipation.
-
Thyroid and psychiatry: Hypothyroidism → depression, fatigue, cognitive slowing; Hyperthyroidism → anxiety, psychosis, mania; Always check TSH for new psychiatric symptoms.
-
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency → depression, dementia, psychosis; ALWAYS check before starting antidepressants.
-
Atypical depression = mood is REACTIVE (can be cheered up), reversed vegetative symptoms (hypersomnia, hyperphagia), leaden paralysis, rejection sensitivity. Best treated with MAOIs historically; now SSRIs used.
-
Wernicke's encephalopathy (thiamine B1 deficiency): Triad: ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, confusion. Treat immediately with IV thiamine. If untreated → Korsakoff syndrome (irreversible amnesia + confabulation).
-
Cognitive disorders in HIV: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND); also multiple opportunistic infections (CMV encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcal meningitis) can cause delirium/dementia.
Good luck tomorrow! Key focus areas based on what's most frequently tested:
- MSE components and how to interpret them in a case
- MDD vs. bipolar (depressive episode vs. mixed/manic)
- Delirium vs. dementia (onset and attention are the keys)
- Cluster B personality disorders (especially BPD vs. HPD vs. NPD)
- Eating disorder medical complications (hypokalemia, Russell's sign, refeeding syndrome)
- OCD vs. OCPD (ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic)
- Conversion vs. malingering vs. factitious (consciousness + motivation)
- First-line treatments for each category (CBT or SSRIs + which specific therapies)
*Sources: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry (9781975145569), Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry (9781975175733), Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology (9781108838573)*That's your full comprehensive psychiatry exam guide - pulled directly from Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis and Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry. Here's a quick orientation to the guide:
What's covered:
- Psychiatric history + MSE - every component with the full outline format exams love, including the A-B-C-S-M-A-T-T-P-C-I-J mnemonic
- Mood Disorders - full DSM-5 criteria (SIG E CAPS for depression, DIG FAST for mania), Bipolar I vs II table, lithium facts, treatment algorithm
- Anxiety Disorders - GAD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobia, OCD, PTSD - with the distinguishing trigger/avoidance/physical symptom table
- Cognitive Disorders - the Delirium vs. Dementia comparison table, I WATCH DEATH mnemonic, all 5 dementia types with distinguishing features
- Personality Disorders - all 10 PDs by cluster, ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic distinction, BPD AIM SELF criteria, DBT as gold standard
- Eating Disorders - AN vs. BN vs. BED comparison, Russell's sign, refeeding syndrome, medical complications
- Somatoform/Somatic Symptom Disorders - the 4-way table (SSD/Conversion/Factitious/Malingering) that exams absolutely love
For case-based questions, the most important rules are:
- If a case mentions conduct disorder before 15 → ASPD
- If confusion is acute + fluctuating → delirium (check the meds/infection)
- If emotion is ego-dystonic + unwanted → OCD; if ego-syntonic → OCPD
- If patient feigns illness for money/legal reasons → malingering (not a disorder)
- Splitting + self-harm + abandonment fear → BPD → DBT