CRACKCast E111 – Mood Disorders - a podcast by The CanadiEM.org Team

Episode Overview

• Patients with apparent mood disorders should be evaluated for medical disorders, medication effects, substance abuse or withdrawal because these conditions can mimic both depression and mania.

• Mood disorders should be suspected in patients with multiple, vague, nonspecific complaints and in patients who are frequent, heavy users of medical care.

• The differentiation of depression and dementia in elders can be difficult, but is important because depression often responds dramatically to treatment.

• Patients with mood disorders should be assessed for their suicide potential.

  Core questions:

1. List the 3 neurotransmitters implicated in depression

2. List the DSM V criteria for Major Depressive Episode (box)

3. Define Seasonal Affective disorder, Dysthymic Disorder and Cyclothymic

   disorder

4. Define Bipolar I and Bipolar II

5. List the DSM V Criteria for a Manic Episode (box)

6. List 8 general medical conditions and 8 medications that cause depression

7. Describe first line medical therapy for depression and bipolar disorder

8. List 4 criteria for hospitalization in an acute psychiatric episode

Wisecracks

    1. Mnemonics for symptoms of depression and mania