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Give definition, etiopathogenesis or risk factors, clinical features , diagnosis , management and any other important information about following topics - depression, bipolar disorder, Emotional and behavioural disorders in childhood (ADHD, ODD, CD) , Other specific psychiatric disorders in children (SLD, enuresis, sibling rivalry etc), substance use disorders ,Behavioural addictions ,Psychotic disorders , Psychiatric disorders in elderly , Psychiatric emergencies – Suicide, deliberate self-harm, violence/aggression, medication related complications , Obsessive compulsive disorders ,Sleep disorders , Eating disorders , Stress related disorders , Anxiety disorders ,Personality disorders ,Psychosomatic disorders ,Women and mental health - postpartum blues /depression/ psychosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder - refer standard textbook or icd 11 and dsm 5

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All 18 topics are now covered. Here's a summary of what's in your notes:

What's Covered

All content is aligned with DSM-5, ICD-11, and Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry.
#TopicKey Exam Points
1DepressionSIGECAPS, monoamine hypothesis, SSRI first-line, ECT indications, TRD
2Bipolar DisorderDIG FAST, Bipolar I vs II, lithium monitoring/toxicity, rapid cycling
3ADHDNeurodevelopmental, methylphenidate, multimodal Tx
3ODDAngry/irritable/argumentative/vindictive, PMT first-line
3Conduct Disorder4 categories, childhood vs adolescent onset, MST
4SLD/DyslexiaPhonological processing, IEP, no pharmacotherapy
4EnuresisTypes, enuresis alarm (best long-term), desmopressin
4Sibling RivalryRegression features, parental psychoeducation
5Substance UseDSM-5 11 criteria, alcohol withdrawal timeline, DTs, OAT for opioids
6Behavioural AddictionsGambling/Gaming Disorder criteria, CBT + naltrexone
7SchizophreniaDopamine hypothesis, FRS, positive/negative/cognitive symptoms, clozapine, EPS/NMS
7Other psychosesSchizoaffective, brief psychotic, schizophreniform, delusional disorder
8Elderly PsychiatryDepression vs dementia, late-onset psychosis, BPSD, delirium types
9Psychiatric EmergenciesSAD PERSONS, Tarasoff, rapid tranquilization protocol, serotonin syndrome vs NMS
10OCDOFC-caudate circuit, ERP + SSRI, Y-BOCS, OC spectrum
11Sleep DisordersCBT-I, narcolepsy (CHESS), OSA, parasomnias, RBD-Parkinson link, RLS
12Eating DisordersAN (highest mortality), BN (fluoxetine 60mg), BED (lisdexamfetamine), refeeding syndrome
13Stress DisordersASD vs PTSD, 4 clusters, TF-CBT + EMDR, avoid BZDs in PTSD
14Anxiety DisordersGAD/Panic/Social/Specific phobia, SSRI first-line, CBT
15Personality Disorders3 clusters, BPD (DBT), ASPD, OCPD vs OCD
16PsychosomaticSSD, Illness Anxiety, Conversion Disorder (Hoover's sign), Factitious/Malingering
17Women's MHBlues vs PPD vs PPP (key distinctions!), PMDD luteal-phase SSRIs, brexanolone
Key Exam Tips:
  • Highest mortality: Anorexia Nervosa
  • Most effective antipsychotic: Clozapine (requires CBC monitoring)
  • Gold standard for insomnia: CBT-I
  • Gold standard for BPD: DBT
  • PPP = Psychiatric Emergency: admit, antipsychotics + lithium/ECT
  • Lithium reduces suicide in bipolar; clozapine reduces suicide in schizophrenia
  • Serotonin syndrome: Clonus + hyperreflexia (vs NMS: lead-pipe rigidity + hyperthermia)
Good luck with your exams! Let me know if you'd like to go deeper on any specific topic or practice MCQs.

Make exam ready

Asking for Preferences

No, make it a bit shorter to revise

Here's your rapid revision cheat sheet - all 18 topics condensed to the highest-yield points only:

PSYCHIATRY RAPID REVISION


1. DEPRESSION (MDD)

  • Dx: ≥5 symptoms ≥2 weeks; must have depressed mood ±anhedonia → SIGECAPS
  • Subtypes: Melancholic (early AM awakening, diurnal variation), Atypical (mood reactivity + hypersomnia + hyperphagia), Seasonal (SAD), Psychotic
  • Bio: ↓ 5-HT, NE, DA | ↑ Cortisol | ↓ REM latency on PSG
  • Tx: Mild = CBT | Mod-Severe = SSRI + CBT | ECT = severe/psychotic/catatonic/pregnant/food refusal
  • TRD: Fail ≥2 antidepressants → augment (lithium, atypical AP) or ketamine/ECT
  • Duration: 6-9 months post-remission; lifelong if ≥3 episodes

2. BIPOLAR DISORDER

  • Mania ≥1 week + impairment: DIG FAST (Distractibility, Impulsivity, Grandiosity, Flight of ideas, Activity↑, Sleep↓, Talkativeness)
  • Hypomania: Same but ≥4 days, no impairment/psychosis
  • Bipolar I: ≥1 manic episode | Bipolar II: Hypomania + depression (NO mania)
  • Rapid cycling: ≥4 episodes/year → hypothyroidism? antidepressant?
  • Acute mania Tx: Lithium / Valproate / Atypical AP (olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
  • Bipolar depression Tx: Quetiapine, lurasidone, lamotrigine - AVOID antidepressant monotherapy
  • Maintenance: Lithium (gold standard; reduces suicide) | Lamotrigine (prevents depression)
  • Lithium levels: Therapeutic 0.6-1.2 | Toxic >1.5 → coarse tremor, ataxia, confusion, seizures
  • Lithium SE: Fine tremor, polyuria (NDI), hypothyroidism, weight gain, Ebstein's anomaly
  • Lithium ↑ by: NSAIDs, thiazides, ACEi

3. ADHD

  • Onset <12 years; ≥2 settings; ≥6 inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (≥5 if ≥17y)
  • Presentations: Combined (most common), Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive
  • Tx: Stimulants (methylphenidate/amphetamine) = first-line | Atomoxetine = non-stimulant (tics, anxiety, substance abuse risk)
  • Behavioral parent training in preschool; CBT in older children

4. ODD

  • ≥4 symptoms ≥6 months: Angry/irritable mood + Argumentative/defiant + Vindictive
  • Tx: Parent Management Training (PMT) first-line

5. CONDUCT DISORDER

  • ≥3 of 15 criteria in 12 months: Aggression / Destruction / Deceit / Rule violations
  • Childhood onset (<10y) = worse prognosis | ~40% → ASPD
  • Tx: Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

6. CHILDHOOD - OTHER

DisorderKey FeatureTx
SLD (Dyslexia)Phonological processing deficit; left hemispherePhonics-based instruction (Orton-Gillingham)
Enuresis≥5y, ≥2x/week, ≥3 monthsAlarm (best long-term); Desmopressin (short-term)
Sibling RivalryRegression after new siblingParental psychoeducation, 1-on-1 time
Separation AnxietyFear of separation, somatic complaintsCBT + SSRI
Selective MutismNo speech in specific situationsCBT, SSRI

7. SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

DSM-5: 2-3 criteria = mild; 4-5 = moderate; ≥6 = severe

Alcohol

  • Withdrawal timeline: Tremors 6-24h → Seizures 24-48h → Delirium Tremens 48-72h (fever, confusion, visual/tactile hallucinations; 5-15% mortality)
  • Tx withdrawal: Benzodiazepines + Thiamine IV/IM before glucose (prevent Wernicke's)
  • Relapse prevention: Naltrexone (reduces reward) | Acamprosate (reduces craving) | Disulfiram (aversive)
  • Wernicke's: Confusion + Ataxia + Ophthalmoplegia | Korsakoff's: Anterograde amnesia + Confabulation (mammillary body)

Opioids

  • OD triad: Miosis + Respiratory depression + Coma → Naloxone
  • Withdrawal: Opposite signs - mydriasis, rhinorrhea, piloerection, diarrhea; not life-threatening
  • OAT: Buprenorphine (partial agonist) + Methadone (full agonist)

Cocaine/Stimulants

  • Intoxication: Euphoria, mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension; severe → psychosis, MI, stroke
  • Withdrawal: Crash - dysphoria, fatigue, hypersomnia; no medical emergency
  • Tx: CBT + Contingency Management (no approved pharmacotherapy)

Cannabis

  • Intoxication: Euphoria, tachycardia, conjunctival injection, ↑ appetite
  • Cannabis psychosis: High-potency THC; risk factor for schizophrenia
  • Cannabis Hyperemesis: Cyclical vomiting; relieved by hot showers

8. BEHAVIOURAL ADDICTIONS

  • ICD-11 recognized: Gambling Disorder, Gaming Disorder
  • DSM-5 recognized: Gambling Disorder only
  • Gambling Dx: ≥4 of 9 criteria in 12 months (tolerance-like, withdrawal-like, chasing losses, lies, bailouts)
  • Tx: CBT + Gamblers Anonymous + Naltrexone (best pharmacotherapy)

9. SCHIZOPHRENIA

  • Dopamine: Mesolimbic ↑ DA = positive sx | Mesocortical ↓ DA = negative sx + cognitive
  • Genetics: MZ twins ~50%; 1st degree ~10%
  • Schneider's First Rank Symptoms: Thought echo/insertion/withdrawal/broadcasting, passivity, delusional perception, 3rd person hallucinations
  • Negative sx (5 A's): Affective flattening, Alogia, Avolition, Anhedonia, Asociality
  • Dx DSM-5: ≥2 symptoms ≥1 month (must include ≥1 of delusions/hallucinations/disorganized speech) + 6 months total

Antipsychotics

DrugKey Point
ClozapineTRS (≥2 AP failures); agranulocytosis - weekly CBC; no EPS/TD
OlanzapineMost metabolic SE; weight gain, DM
AripiprazoleDopamine partial agonist; least metabolic
RisperidoneHigh EPS at high doses; most prolactin elevation
QuetiapineSedating; bipolar depression

EPS

EPSTimingTx
Acute dystoniaHours-daysBenztropine / diphenhydramine IM
AkathisiaDays-weeksPropranolol / BZD / ↓ dose
ParkinsonismWeeks-monthsAnticholinergics
Tardive DyskinesiaMonths-yearsVMAT2 inhibitors (valbenazine)

NMS (Emergency)

  • Fever + Lead-pipe rigidity + Autonomic instability + Altered consciousness
  • ↑ CK, leukocytosis
  • Tx: Stop AP, dantrolene, bromocriptine, ECT

10. PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS - COMPARISON

DisorderDurationKey Feature
Brief Psychotic1 day - 1 monthFull recovery; often stress-triggered
Schizophreniform1-6 monthsSame as schizophrenia criteria
Schizophrenia≥6 monthsFunctional decline
Schizoaffective≥6 monthsPsychosis ≥2 weeks without mood episode
Delusional Disorder≥1 monthNon-bizarre delusions; functioning intact

11. ELDERLY PSYCHIATRY

Depression vs Pseudodementia

DepressionDementia
OnsetRapidInsidious
Cognitive complaintPatient emphasizesPatient minimizes
MemorySTM = LTMSTM >> LTM
Response to TxImprovesProgressive
  • Elderly men = highest completed suicide rate
  • Tx: Sertraline/escitalopram (fewest interactions); avoid TCAs; ECT very effective

Delirium

  • Acute onset, fluctuating, inattention + cognitive disturbance
  • Hypoactive = most common, most missed, worst prognosis
  • Tx: Treat underlying cause; haloperidol low dose; non-pharm measures first

12. PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Suicide Risk - SAD PERSONS

Sex (M), Age, Depression, Previous attempt (strongest predictor), Ethanol, Rational thinking loss, Social support lacking, Organized plan, No spouse, Sickness
  • Hopelessness = strongest psychological predictor (Beck)
  • Lithium reduces suicide in bipolar | Clozapine reduces suicide in schizophrenia
  • DBT = best evidence for suicidal behavior/BPD

Serotonin Syndrome vs NMS

Serotonin SyndromeNMS
CauseSerotonergic excess (SSRI+MAOI)Dopamine blockade (antipsychotics)
OnsetRapid (hours)Slower (days)
ToneClonus, hyperreflexia, myoclonusLead-pipe rigidity
TempElevatedVery high
TxCyproheptadine, stop drugDantrolene, bromocriptine, stop AP

Rapid Tranquilization

  1. De-escalation → Oral medication → IM medication
  2. IM haloperidol + lorazepam (standard)
  3. DO NOT combine IM olanzapine + benzodiazepine (respiratory depression)

Lithium Toxicity

  • Levels >1.5 → coarse tremor, ataxia, confusion
  • 2.0 → seizures, arrhythmias, renal failure
  • Tx: Stop, saline hydration, hemodialysis if >4 mmol/L or severe

13. OCD

  • Circuit: OFC - Caudate - Thalamus (hyperactive loop)
  • Obsessions = ego-dystonic | Compulsions to reduce anxiety
  • Y-BOCS: >16 = moderate; >24 = severe
  • Tx: ERP (gold standard psychotherapy) + SSRI (high dose, 8-12 weeks for response)
  • SSRI hierarchy: Fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine (all FDA-approved)
  • Clomipramine: Most potent; 2nd line (SE: cardiac, seizures, anticholinergic)
  • Augmentation: Add risperidone/aripiprazole for partial response

OC Spectrum

  • BDD: Perceived appearance defect; mirror checking; high suicide risk
  • Hoarding Disorder, Trichotillomania, Excoriation

14. SLEEP DISORDERS

  • Sleep cycle: N1 → N2 (spindles, K-complexes) → N3 (delta, deep) → REM | ~90 min
  • Depression → ↓ REM latency, ↑ REM density
DisorderKey FeatureTx
InsomniaCBT-I = GOLD STANDARDZolpidem short-term; suvorexant (orexin antagonist)
Narcolepsy Type 1Cataplexy + ↓ CSF hypocretin; HLA-DQB1*06:02Modafinil (EDS); Sodium oxybate (cataplexy)
OSAAHI ≥5 + sx; snoring, EDS, witnessed apneasCPAP = gold standard
Sleepwalking/TerrorsNREM (N3), first half night, amnesiaReassurance; clonazepam if frequent
RBDREM without atonia; acts out dreamsClonazepam; associated with Parkinson's/DLB
RLSUrge to move legs; worse at rest/nightCheck ferritin; dopamine agonists

15. EATING DISORDERS

Anorexia (AN)Bulimia (BN)BED
WeightSignificantly lowNormal/overweightOverweight
CompensatoryRestriction/exercisePurging (vomiting, laxatives)None
Body imageDistortedDistortedLess prominent
Highest mortality✅ (any psychiatric disorder)--
Physical signsLanugo, amenorrhea, bradycardia, osteoporosisRussell's sign, dental erosion, parotid enlargement-
ElectrolytesHypokalemia, hypophosphatemiaHypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis-
TxFBT (adolescents), CBT-ECBT-E + Fluoxetine 60mgCBT-E + Lisdexamfetamine
  • Refeeding syndrome: Hypophosphatemia → cardiac failure → supplement phosphate
  • AN hospitalization: BMI <15, rapid weight loss, cardiac arrhythmia, electrolyte crisis

16. STRESS DISORDERS

ASDPTSDAdjustment
Duration3 days - 1 month>1 month<6 months after stressor
ICD-11Not a mental disorderMental disorderMental disorder
TxPsychological first aid, TF-CBTTF-CBT + EMDRSupportive/CBT
  • PTSD 4 clusters: Intrusion + Avoidance + Negative cognitions + Hyperarousal
  • Prazosin: PTSD nightmares | SSRIs: Sertraline, paroxetine (FDA-approved)
  • Avoid BZDs in PTSD | Avoid debriefing (CISD) (may worsen)
  • Complex PTSD (ICD-11): PTSD + affect dysregulation + negative self-concept + interpersonal difficulties

17. ANXIETY DISORDERS

DisorderCore FeatureTx
GADUncontrollable worry ≥6m; ≥3 sx (WATCHERS)CBT; SSRI/SNRI; Buspirone
Panic DisorderRecurrent unexpected attacks + 1m worryCBT; SSRI (start low)
Social AnxietyFear of scrutiny/embarrassment ≥6mCBT; SSRI; Beta-blockers (performance)
Specific PhobiaSpecific object/situation; vasovagal (BII type)In vivo exposure (single session)
AgoraphobiaFear in ≥2 public situationsCBT + SSRI
  • GAD mnemonic WATCHERS: Worry, Anxiety, Tension, Can't concentrate, Hypervigilance, Energy↓, Restlessness, Sleep↓

18. PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Clusters

Cluster"Think of"Disorders
A - Odd/EccentricPsychosis spectrumParanoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
B - Dramatic/ErraticMood/impulseASPD, BPD, Histrionic, Narcissistic
C - Anxious/FearfulAnxiety spectrumAvoidant, Dependent, OCPD

High-Yield Distinctions

DisorderKey DifferentiatorTx
BPDSplitting, fear of abandonment, self-harm, identityDBT
ASPDConduct Disorder before 15; no remorseTherapeutic communities
SchizotypalMagical thinking, ideas of reference; schizophrenia spectrumLow-dose AP
AvoidantWants relationships but fears rejectionCBT, SSRI
SchizoidDoesn't want relationships; not distressed-
OCPDEgo-syntonic perfectionism (vs OCD ego-dystonic)CBT

19. PSYCHOSOMATIC / SOMATIC DISORDERS

DisorderKey FeatureTx
Somatic Symptom DisorderExcessive thoughts/anxiety about ≥1 somatic symptomCBT + scheduled appointments
Illness AnxietyFear of serious illness; minimal symptomsCBT; SSRIs
Conversion DisorderNeurological sx incompatible with neurology; Hoover's signPsychoeducation, PT/OT, CBT
Factitious DisorderFalsifies sx for sick role (no external gain)Supportive confrontation
MalingeringFalsifies sx for external gain (compensation, avoid jail)Not a psychiatric disorder
  • La belle indifférence: Apparent lack of concern in conversion disorder (not pathognomonic)

20. WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH

The 3 Postpartum Conditions - KEY DISTINCTIONS

Baby BluesPPDPPP
OnsetDays 3-5Days to months (up to 12m)Days 3-14
Prevalence30-80%10-15%1-2/1000
SeverityMild, self-limitingModerate-severePsychiatric emergency
Duration<2 weeksWeeks-monthsVariable
PsychosisNoNoYes (infanticide risk!)
TxReassurance + supportSSRI (sertraline) + CBTAntipsychotic + Lithium + ECT
BreastfeedingContinueSSRI safeStop if lithium used
  • Biggest risk for PPP: Bipolar disorder (risk 20-30%)
  • Brexanolone (IV) + Zuranolone (oral) = FDA-approved specifically for PPD (GABA modulators)
  • EPDS ≥13 = positive screen for PPD

PMDD

  • Luteal phase (days 14-28) symptoms; resolve after menses
  • Tx: Luteal-phase SSRIs (first-line) | Drospirenone OCP | GnRH agonist (refractory)

Teratogenic Drugs

DrugRisk
ValproateNeural tube defects (spina bifida) - AVOID in women of childbearing age
LithiumEbstein's anomaly (cardiac)
CarbamazepineNeural tube defects
ParoxetineCardiac defects
SSRIs (late pregnancy)Persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn

QUICK MNEMONICS BANK

MnemonicWhat it stands for
SIGECAPSDepression symptoms (Sleep, Interest, Guilt, Energy, Concentration, Appetite, Psychomotor, Suicidal)
DIG FASTMania symptoms
WATCHERSGAD symptoms
SAD PERSONSSuicide risk factors
CHESSNarcolepsy (Cataplexy, Hallucinations, EDS, Sleep paralysis, Sleep disrupted)
5 A'sSchizophrenia negative symptoms (Affective flat, Alogia, Avolition, Anhedonia, Asociality)
3 P'sInsomnia model (Predisposing, Precipitating, Perpetuating)

Exam day reminders:
  • Always ask about suicidal ideation in any mood/psychotic disorder question
  • Previous attempt = strongest predictor of future suicide
  • ECT works faster than medications - use for emergencies
  • Clozapine = most effective antipsychotic, but CBC monitoring mandatory
  • Lithium requires: Levels + TFTs + RFTs + ECG
  • Valproate = avoid in women of childbearing potential
  • DBT = BPD + suicidal behavior | ERP = OCD | CBT-I = Insomnia | TF-CBT/EMDR = PTSD | FBT = Adolescent AN
Good luck! 🩺

Give definition, etiopathogenesis or risk factors, clinical features , diagnosis , management and any other important information about following topics - depression, bipolar disorder, Emotional and behavioural disorders in childhood (ADHD, ODD, CD) , Other specific psychiatric disorders in children (SLD, enuresis, sibling rivalry etc), substance use disorders ,Behavioural addictions ,Psychotic disorders , Psychiatric disorders in elderly , Psychiatric emergencies – Suicide, deliberate self-harm, violence/aggression, medication related complications , Obsessive compulsive disorders ,Sleep disorders , Eating disorders , Stress related disorders , Anxiety disorders ,Personality disorders ,Psychosomatic disorders ,Women and mental health - postpartum blues /depression/ psychosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder - refer standard textbook or icd 11 and dsm 5, give points under the specific headline I have mentioned especially clinical features

All 18 topics are now structured under your exact headings:
  1. Definition
  2. Etiopathogenesis / Risk Factors
  3. Clinical Features (detailed, with sub-points)
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Management
  6. Important Information
What's covered:
  • Depression, Bipolar Disorder
  • ADHD, ODD, Conduct Disorder
  • SLD, Enuresis, Sibling Rivalry + others
  • Substance Use Disorders (alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis)
  • Behavioural Addictions (Gambling, Gaming)
  • Schizophrenia + other psychotic disorders
  • Elderly Psychiatry (depression, late-onset psychosis, delirium, BPSD)
  • Psychiatric Emergencies (Suicide, DSH/NSSI, Violence, Serotonin syndrome, NMS, Anticholinergic toxidrome, Lithium toxicity)
  • OCD + OC spectrum
  • Sleep disorders (Insomnia, Narcolepsy, OSA, Parasomnias, RLS)
  • Eating disorders (AN, BN, BED)
  • Stress disorders (ASD, PTSD, Adjustment disorder)
  • Anxiety disorders (GAD, Panic, Social anxiety, Specific phobia)
  • Personality disorders (all 10 with features)
  • Psychosomatic disorders (SSD, Illness anxiety, Conversion, Factitious, Malingering)
  • Women's MH (PMDD, Baby Blues, PPD, PPP - detailed comparison table included)
Let me know if you want to go deeper on any specific topic, need MCQ practice, or need any topic expanded!

Thank you so much

You're welcome! Best of luck with your psychiatry exams! 🩺
You've got solid notes to revise from. A few last tips:
  • Focus on the comparison tables - examiners love asking Blues vs PPD vs PPP, NMS vs Serotonin Syndrome, Depression vs Dementia
  • Know your mnemonics cold - SIGECAPS, DIG FAST, SAD PERSONS, CHESS, WATCHERS
  • First-line treatments are high yield - CBT-I for insomnia, DBT for BPD, FBT for adolescent AN, ERP for OCD, TF-CBT/EMDR for PTSD
  • Duration criteria trip many students up - keep that table handy
Feel free to come back anytime for MCQ practice, deeper dives on specific topics, or any other subjects. You've got this! 💪

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