Major Depressive Disorder
Overview Definition Classification Major depressive disorder (MDD) can be classified on the basis of the severity and the course of the disease. Epidemiology Pathophysiology Risk factors Catecholamine abnormalities Catecholamine deficiency theory Stress hormones Neuroanatomic theory Neurotrophic hypothesis Diagnosis Diagnostic criteria Symptoms cause significant decline in function in social, occupational/school settings, and persist for ≥ 2 […]
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Overview Definition Epidemiology Pathophysiology Diagnosis and Clinical Features Diagnosis Clinical features Management Treatment must include psychoeducation as well as supportive psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Pharmacotherapy Differential Diagnosis References
Specific Phobias
Overview Definition A phobia is defined as an irrational fear that results in avoidance of the feared subject, activity, or situation. Epidemiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis Specifiers Main types of specific phobias based on the nature of the stimulus: Clinical features and diagnosis Management Other Anxiety Disorders The following table summarizes the most important […]
Agoraphobia
Overview Definition Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety in a situation in which it would be difficult to escape or to readily obtain help in the event that one develops panic-like symptoms, thus leading to avoidance. Epidemiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis Clinical features Diagnosis Management Other Anxiety Disorders The following table summarizes the most important […]
Social Anxiety Disorder
Overview Definition Epidemiology Pathophysiology Biological basis: Psychological theories: Diagnosis The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is entirely clinical, based on meeting specific criteria. Management Both pharmacologic and psychological treatments are shown to be effective. Patients who also have avoidant personality disorder have a worse prognosis and require a longer period of treatment. Psychotherapy Cognitive behavioral […]
Sedatives, Hypnotics, and Anxiolytics Use Disorder
Classification and Epidemiology Classification Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics use disorder is the chronic (> 12 months), problematic pattern of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use causing significant distress. These types of drugs subdue excitement, promote calm, or induce/maintain sleep. Epidemiology Pharmacology Benzodiazepines Barbiturates Other hypnotics Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis Intoxication Withdrawal Patients must taper the medications […]
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Overview Definition Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a psychiatric condition characterized by the presence of ≥ 2 distinct alternating personality states that control a person’s behaviors and thoughts. While dominant, a personality is usually unaware of events that occurred during other personality states. Epidemiology Etiology Diagnosis and Clinical Features […]
Dissociative Amnesia
Overview Definition Dissociative amnesia is a potentially reversible memory impairment that primarily affects autobiographical information, often following stressful or traumatic events Types of memory Epidemiology Pathogenesis Diagnosis and Clinical Features Diagnosis Diagnosis is clinical, based on meeting specific criteria: Clinical features Management Differential Diagnosis References
Panic Disorder
Overview Definition Panic disorder is characterized by chronic recurrent episodes of panic attacks (not triggered) that are associated with significant worry about future attacks, maladaptive behavior, and impaired function for ≥ 1 month. A panic attack is not a mental disorder. Rather, this disorder is a sudden, spontaneous, time-limited period (minutes to an hour) of […]
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Overview Definition Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a mental disorder in children with an age of onset < 10 years old and characterized by: Epidemiology Etiology Diagnosis Clinical diagnostic criteria: Management Psychosocial therapy Psychosocial therapy should be the main pillar of treatment for DMDD. Medication Table: Pharmacotherapy for different target symptoms in DMDD Target […]