DHA Mental Health & Psychiatry Flashcards

Which psychiatric comorbidity is MOST commonly associated with substance use disorder?

Answer: Depression and anxiety disorders

Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities in substance use disorder, requiring integrated dual-diagnosis treatment.

Under UAE/DHA mental health regulations, involuntary psychiatric admission requires:

Answer: Certification by qualified psychiatrists

UAE mental health law requires clinical certification by qualified psychiatrists for involuntary admission, ensuring both medical and legal safeguards.

A patient on antipsychotic therapy develops sudden high fever, severe muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability. This MOST likely represents:

Answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

NMS is a life-threatening antipsychotic reaction characterised by hyperthermia, lead-pipe muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic dysfunction.

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is used primarily to:

Answer: Quantify the severity and immediacy of suicidal ideation and behaviour

The C-SSRS is a validated instrument that categorises the intensity of suicidal ideation and the nature of suicidal behaviours to guide clinical risk decisions.

Which finding BEST differentiates normal grief from major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Answer: Grief typically preserves self-esteem; MDD often involves persistent worthlessness and guilt

In grief, painful emotions are linked to the loss and self-esteem is generally preserved, whereas MDD features pervasive worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness extending beyond the loss.

What is the recommended first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Answer: Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT, including Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, is the evidence-based first-line treatment for PTSD.