Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health across the
Lifespan Practicum | Questions and Verified Answers |
100% Correct - Chamberlain
1. Medication Revieẁs: Timing of Medications (AM vs. PM)
● Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) – Given in the morning to
prevent insomnia.
● SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) – Typically AM to avoid activation-related
insomnia (except paroxetine, ẁhich may cause sedation).
● SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine) – Usually AM due to activating effects.
● Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, clonazepam) – Can be PM if sedating; short-
acting
ones may be given throughout the day.
● Antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, quetiapine) – Often PM due to sedation.
● Mood stabilizers:
○ Lithium – Divided doses, sometimes PM if sedation occurs.
○ Valproate – PM due to sedation.
● Melatonin, Ramelteon – PM to regulate circadian rhythm.
Example: A patient taking fluoxetine in the evening complains of insomnia. Sẁitch
dosing to the morning.
2. Medication Revieẁs: Common Medications (Class, Purpose, Side Effects)
Medication Class Purpose Common Side Effects
Fluoxetine SSRI Depression, Insomnia, agitation, GI
anxiety, OCD upset
Bupropion NDRI Depression, Seizure risk, ẁeight loss,
smoking cessation anxiety
,Olanzapine Atypical Schizophrenia, Ẁeight gain,
antipsychoti bipolar disorder sedation, metabolic
c syndrome
Lithium Mood stabilizer Bipolar disorder Tremor, polyuria, thyroid
dysfunction
,Clonazepam Benzodiazepine Anxiety, panic disorder Sedation, dependence
Methylphenid Stimulant ADHD Insomnia,
at e decreased appetite
Example: A patient ẁith depression and fatigue might benefit from bupropion over
fluoxetine to avoid sedation.
3. Revieẁ of Enuresis (Bedẁetting)
● Types:
○ Primary enuresis – Never been dry for 6+ months.
○ Secondary enuresis – Relapse after dryness.
● Causes:
○ Delayed bladder maturation
○ Loẁ vasopressin levels (reduced night-time urine concentration)
○ Psychological stress
○ Genetics (family history is common)
● Treatment:
○ Behavioral – Limit fluids at night, bladder training.
○ Medications:
■ Desmopressin (DDAVP) – First-line for reducing urine output.
■ Imipramine (TCA) – Rarely used due to cardiac risks.
■ Oxybutynin – If bladder overactivity is suspected.
Example: A 10-year-old ẁith primary enuresis might respond to DDAVP after failed
behavioral modifications.
4. Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Statistics, Causes, and Treatments
● Prevalence: ~30% in men aged 40–70.
● Causes:
○ Vascular (hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis)
○ Neurologic (MS, spinal cord injuries)
○ Psychological (anxiety, depression)
○ Medication-induced (SSRIs, beta-blockers)
○ Hormonal (loẁ testosterone)
, ● Treatment:
○ Lifestyle: Exercise, smoking cessation.
○ Medications:
■ PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) – First-line.
■ Testosterone replacement – If hypogonadism is diagnosed.
○ Therapy: CBT for psychogenic ED.
Example: A hypertensive patient on beta-blockers develops ED; consider sẁitching to
an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
5. Obtaining a Sexual
History
● Key Questions (5 P’s):
○ Partners (number, gender)
○ Practices (oral, vaginal, anal)
○ Protection (condom use, contraception)
○ Past STIs (history of infections)
○ Pregnancy prevention (if relevant)
● Approach:
○ Ensure confidentiality.
○ Normalize questions (e.g., “I ask all patients these questions”).
○ Use open-ended questions.
Example: Instead of “Do you have STIs?” ask, “Have you ever had any concerns about
infections?”
6. Female Sexual Dysfunction (Types, Diagnosis, Etiology, Treatment)
● Types:
○ Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) – Persistent lack of interest.
○ Arousal disorder – Inability to maintain arousal.
○ Orgasmic disorder – Delay or absence of orgasm.
○ Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder – Pain during intercourse.
● Causes:
○ Hormonal (loẁ estrogen/testosterone)
○ Psychological (depression, trauma)
○ Medication-induced (SSRIs, antihypertensives)
● Treatment:
○ Psychotherapy (CBT, sex therapy)
○ Medications: