1What are the possible treatment options for severe mania or mixed episodes for bipolar disorder?
Atypical Antipsychotics
High potency benzos as adjunct to target agitation
Lithium, valproate, or carbomazepine augmented w/ an antipsychotic
2To confirm a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, what components must be present from the patient's history?
At least one hypomanic episode
At least one major depressive episode
3A PHQ-9 score of 17 is what level of depression?
Moderately severe
4What are the symptoms associated with hypomania?
Pressured speech, talkative, and flight of ideas
5What are the symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome?
Chills
Restlessness
Hyperreflexia
Autonomic Instability
6To effectively monitor efficacy of a medication used to treat depression, what should be a part of the ongoing care plan?
Use of a standardized rating scale for depression
7What is the primary difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II?
Presence of a manic episode with BP I
8Wellbutrin can increase the risk of what other disorder?
Seizure
9What are common traits associated with bipolar disorder?
manic episodes
rapid cycling
functional impairment
resolution of symptoms is not possible w/o medication
10What antidepressant might be a good choice for a patient with a h/o skipping doses of medication and who is using a progestin implant for birth control?
Prozac (fluoxetine)
11How long should the clinican keep the drug trial going before deeming it unsuccessful when using antidepressants?
4-5 weeks
12What is one thing to keep in mind when prescribing TCAs to a patient at risk for suicide?
A one month supply can be fatal
13A pt presents with symptoms of lithium toxicity, what are the next best steps?
Determine hydration status
Order lithium level
Hold lithium until level is known
14What is one key component of diagnosing dysthymia?
Depressive symptoms started at a young age and have persisted w/ little to no lapse of depressed mood
15Can altered mood associated with bereavement be considered diagnositic for MDD?
No if that is the only time the depressive episode has been present