i have psychiatry exam tomorrow you have to prepare me for that. my topics are cognitive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, somatoform disorders, and basic protocol of patient interaction history taking etc also pls include key distinguishing points of each disorder that will be helpful to use on case based qs and problem solving. give every information abt the disorders okay how when what symptoms positive negative pathophysio treatment diagnosis like each thing whatever we see and learn in medschool. every important aspect.

Reading File
Now let me run parallel searches across all topics at once.
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
I have the Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry - the gold standard. Now let me read the key sections. I'll look at the TOC to find the right blocks.
Finding Sources
I've found the key sections. Now let me read the most important blocks from Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis in parallel.
Reading File
Reading File
Reading File
Reading File
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

ComponentWhat to Cover
A. IdentificationName, age, sex, marital status, occupation, race, religion, who patient lives with
B. Chief ComplaintIn 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 HistoryPrior hospitalizations, medications, substance use, neurologic disorders, STDs
E. Family HistoryMental 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

FeatureMDDBipolar IBipolar IIDysthymiaCyclothymia
Depressive episodeYesYesYesLow-gradeLow-grade
Manic episodeNoYESNoNoNo
Hypomanic episodeNoMaybeYESNoLow-grade
Duration≥2 weeks≥1 week mania≥4 days hypomania≥2 years≥2 years
Hospitalization neededNoYes (mania)NoNoNo
Psychosis possibleRarelyYesNoNoNo

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

DisorderCore FeatureKey TriggerAvoidancePhysical Sx
GADExcessive worry, multiple topicsEverythingNoMuscle tension, fatigue
Panic DisorderRecurrent unexpected panic attacks + anticipatory anxietyNo specific trigger (unexpected)Yes (agoraphobia)Palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea
Social AnxietyFear of scrutiny/embarrassmentSocial situationsYes (social)Flushing, tremor
Specific PhobiaFear of specific object/situationSpecific stimulusYes (specific)Immediate anxiety
AgoraphobiaFear of escape being difficultCrowds, transport, open spacesYes (broad)Panic-like
Separation AnxietyFear of separation from attachmentSeparationSchool refusalSomatic 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

FeatureDeliriumDementia
OnsetAcute (hours-days)Gradual (months-years)
CourseFluctuatingSlowly progressive
AttentionSEVERELY impaired (hallmark)Relatively preserved early
ConsciousnessImpaired/cloudedClear until late stages
OrientationDisorientedPreserved early
HallucinationsCommon (especially visual)Less common (except Lewy body)
ReversibilityUsually reversible (treat cause)Usually irreversible
Sleep-wake cycleDisrupted (day-night reversal)Disrupted later
PsychomotorHyper 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:
TypeFirst symptomKey featuresDistinguishing test
Alzheimer'sMemoryGradual, aphasia/apraxia laterAmyloid PET, CSF tau/Abeta
VascularExecutiveStepwise, focal neuro signsMRI white matter changes
Lewy BodyCognition fluctuationVisual hallucinations, Parkinsonism, RBDDaTscan
FTDPersonality/behaviorYoung onset, hyperorality, disinhibitionFDG-PET frontal hypometabolism
NPHGait"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

FeatureAnorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaBinge Eating Disorder
WeightSignificantly low (BMI <17.5)Normal or above normalOverweight/obese usually
BingingNo (or small amounts)YesYes
PurgingMay restrict or purgeYes (purging type)No
Body imageSeverely distortedMildly distortedCan be
InsightPoor (ego-syntonic)Better (ego-dystonic)Present
MortalityHIGHEST of all psychiatric disordersLowerLowest
AmenorrheaYes (in females)PossibleNo

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

DSM-5 Criteria:
  1. Restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight (BMI <18.5 adult; <5th percentile child)
  2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat (or persistent behavior to prevent weight gain)
  3. 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:
  1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts in discrete period + lack of control)
  2. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (purging: self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas; or non-purging: fasting, excessive exercise)
  3. At least once weekly for 3 months
  4. Self-evaluation unduly influenced by body shape/weight
  5. 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-IVNew DSM-5
Somatization disorderSomatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)
Pain disorderSSD with predominant pain
HypochondriasisIllness Anxiety Disorder (half) OR SSD (other half)
Conversion disorderFunctional Neurological Symptom Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorderMoved to OCD-related chapter

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)

DSM-5 Criteria:
  1. One or more somatic symptoms causing distress or disruption
  2. 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
  3. ≥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. ≥1 symptom of altered voluntary motor or sensory function
  2. Clinical findings provide evidence of incompatibility with recognized neurological/medical conditions
  3. 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:

DisorderConscious?Motivated by?Symptoms medically explained?
SSDNo (genuine distress)-Can be
ConversionNo-No
FactitiousYesSick role (internal)No (feigned/produced)
MalingeringYesExternal gainNo (feigned/produced)

PART 8: BONUS - HIGH-YIELD PHARMACOLOGY REFERENCE

Antidepressant Side Effects Quick Review

Drug ClassKey Side EffectsOverdose Risk
SSRIsSexual dysfunction, GI upset, insomnia/sedation, serotonin syndrome, QTc prolongation (citalopram > others), hyponatremia (SIADH), weight gain (paroxetine > others)Low (unless + MAOI → serotonin syndrome)
SNRIsAll SSRI + hypertension, urinary retentionLow
BupropionSeizures, insomnia, no sexual SE, weight lossModerate
MirtazapineSedation, weight gain, dry mouth; NO sexual SELow
TCAsAnticholinergic (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision, confusion), cardiac (QTc, arrhythmia), orthostatic hypotension, sedationHIGH - 3C's: convulsions, coma, cardiotoxicity
MAOIsHypertensive crisis (tyramine), serotonin syndrome (with SSRIs/meperidine), orthostatic hypotension, sexual dysfunctionHIGH
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 EffectTypical APAtypical APManagement
EPS (acute dystonia)++++Benztropine, diphenhydramine
Akathisia++++Beta-blockers, benzodiazepines
Tardive dyskinesia+++ (late)+ (rare)Valbenazine, tetrabenazine; switch to clozapine
NMSAnyAnyDantrolene, bromocriptine
Metabolic syndrome++++ (clozapine, olanzapine)Monitor weight/glucose/lipids
Prolactin elevation++++ (risperidone mainly)-
Agranulocytosis-Clozapine (1-2%)Weekly CBC with clozapine
QTc prolongationHaloperidol, thioridazineZiprasidoneECG 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 FeatureDiagnosis
Conduct disorder before age 15ASPD
Unexpected panic attacks + anticipatory worryPanic disorder
Splitting (idealization/devaluation) + self-harm + abandonment fearBPD
"Wet, wobbly, wacky" triadNPH
Visual hallucinations + Parkinsonism + fluctuationLewy Body Dementia
Russell's sign + parotid enlargementBulimia Nervosa
Lanugo + amenorrhea + BMI <17.5Anorexia Nervosa
La belle indifférence + non-anatomic weaknessConversion Disorder
Hoover's signFunctional neurological disorder
Ego-dystonic obsessions + compulsionsOCD
Ego-syntonic perfectionism + hoardingOCPD

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

  1. 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.
  2. Most common psychiatric comorbidity with any disorder: Anxiety + Depression frequently coexist.
  3. Highest suicide risk in mood disorders: Mixed states in bipolar disorder.
  4. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of all psychiatric disorders.
  5. ECT is not contraindicated in pregnancy - it's one of the safest options.
  6. Lithium is the only drug proven to reduce suicide in bipolar disorder.
  7. Clozapine is the only drug proven to reduce suicide in schizophrenia.
  8. DST (Dexamethasone Suppression Test): Non-suppression in ~50% of melancholic MDD - not specific enough to diagnose, but supports diagnosis.
  9. REM sleep in depression: Shortened REM latency (REM comes earlier than normal).
  10. 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.
  11. Thyroid and psychiatry: Hypothyroidism → depression, fatigue, cognitive slowing; Hyperthyroidism → anxiety, psychosis, mania; Always check TSH for new psychiatric symptoms.
  12. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency → depression, dementia, psychosis; ALWAYS check before starting antidepressants.
  13. 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.
  14. Wernicke's encephalopathy (thiamine B1 deficiency): Triad: ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, confusion. Treat immediately with IV thiamine. If untreated → Korsakoff syndrome (irreversible amnesia + confabulation).
  15. 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:
  1. 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
  2. Mood Disorders - full DSM-5 criteria (SIG E CAPS for depression, DIG FAST for mania), Bipolar I vs II table, lithium facts, treatment algorithm
  3. Anxiety Disorders - GAD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobia, OCD, PTSD - with the distinguishing trigger/avoidance/physical symptom table
  4. Cognitive Disorders - the Delirium vs. Dementia comparison table, I WATCH DEATH mnemonic, all 5 dementia types with distinguishing features
  5. Personality Disorders - all 10 PDs by cluster, ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic distinction, BPD AIM SELF criteria, DBT as gold standard
  6. Eating Disorders - AN vs. BN vs. BED comparison, Russell's sign, refeeding syndrome, medical complications
  7. 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
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.