Obsessive–compulsive disorder The characteristic features of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are obsessions and compulsions which interfere with a person’s ability to cope with their daily life. Obsessions, also known as obsessional…
Antipsychotic drugs Antipsychotic drugs are also known as ‘major tranquillisers’ or ‘neuroleptics’. There are now two distinct groups of antipsychotics: the older ‘typical’ drugs such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol, and…
Old age psychiatry II Other conditions common in old age If dementia did not exist, there probably would not be a separate speciality of Old Age Psychiatry. However, there are…
Alcohol dependence II Assessment All patients should be asked about their alcohol consumption, and specific quantities recorded. Vague responses, such as ‘I only drink socially’, are not acceptable; many alcoholics…
Perinatal psychiatry Case history 27 Bronwyn is 32 years old. She has two children and is in the tenth week of pregnancy. She has a history of recurrent depression, including…
Reactions to stress Many psychiatric conditions can be precipitated by ‘stress’ or adverse ‘life events’, but usually the individuals affected have some vulnerability to the mental illness as a result…
Child psychiatry II Conduct disorder The main features of conduct disorders are persistent antisocial behaviours such as fighting, bullying, severe temper tantrums, damaging property, starting fires, stealing, truancy, and persistent…
Personality disorders – management The management of patients with personality disorders can be enormously challenging. They may be extremely distressed and demanding, and often disagree with the treatment plan offered….
Anxiety disorders – clinical presentation and aetiology The term ‘neurotic’ has slipped from popularity in psychiatry because of difficulties in agreeing upon a precise and useful definition, and because it…
Psychosexual disorders Psychosexual disorders fall into three main groups in ICD10: sexual dysfunction, gender identity disorders and disorders of sexual preference (Table 1). Sexual dysfunction is the most common of…
