QotM (Question of the Moment):
In cognitive therapy, what term describes the tendency to focus on a detail taken out of context and to conceptualize the experience on the basis of this element?
Answer to previous QotM:
Children
Questions of the Moment are derived from notes created by S. Hinds, M.D.
So we in psychiatry are taught the Folstein Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) early in our training. At times, I have wondered, how and when did the Folsteins come up with the MMSE? How was it first introduced? Then I came upon these articles:
It appears that answers those questions. A more detailed look at the MMSE in the future.
Psychiatrists in training are always looking for book recommendations. Books on psychopharmacology are especially sought after. There are many handbooks and texts out there. However, I have found one text in particular that has been a valuable resource for practical, evidence-based information.
Book Cover
The chapters are laid out in a reader-friendly manner, rather than being packed full with minutiae in a disorganized fashion. After reading this text, most people should have a fairly comprehensive understanding of how to approach the pharmacologic treatment of the major mental illnesses.
About this text, one of my mentors, S. Hinds, M.D., writes in his book recommendation list:
“Written by acknowledged giants in psychopharmacology, it is pretty comprehensive in that it spends time on the diagnosis and etiology of each disorder before launching into pharmacological treatment. It also is comprehensive about all the clinical trials used for each drug and the bottom line regarding results. I also like that they’ve expanded sections on special populations (e.g., pregnancy). So, it is the go-to source for what works and what doesn’t and the evidence for each. It is so-so regarding the mechanism of action of pharmacological agents, and, lastly, it wouldn’t kill them to just step up and give their anecdotal opinions about treatment and treatment-resistance.”
I highly recommend it.
QotM (Question of the Moment):
PTSD is most common in what age group?
Answer to previous QoTM:
Nausea and dizziness.
Questions of the Moment are derived from notes created by S. Hinds, M.D.
The use of lithium can be complicated, and there are many aspects that can be discussed. For now, I will focus on the fact that lithium is a salt. This is something that seems to be forgotten at times.
Since lithium is a salt (lithium chloride) closely related to sodium, the kidneys will treat them in a similar fashion. If a person is dehydrated, the kidneys will try to retain salt in order to increase total body fluid volume. Therefore, until that fluid volume is replenished, excess salt will be resorbed and an increase in the levels of sodium and lithium can occur. Significant dehydration (such as can occur with vomiting and/or diarrhea) can potentially lead to lithium toxicity. Unfortunately, lithium toxicity can lead to nausea and diarrhea, resulting in further dehydration.
Lithium can also compete with sodium for resorption by the renal tubules and potentially lower the level of sodium in a person’s body. Those taking lithium need to maintain a regular diet with adequate salt intake and hydration.
Partial References:
HealthyPlace.com
Bipolar World