personality disorders
What are the three clusters of personality disorders?
Cluster A (odd/eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic/emotional), Cluster C (anxious/fearful)
What are the two main symptoms required for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Depressed mood and loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia)
What distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II?
Bipolar I has full manic episodes; Bipolar II has hypomanic episodes
What is the most significant risk factor for suicide?
Previous suicide attempt
What are two hallmark positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations and delusions
Which disorder involves distrust and suspicion of others?
Paranoid Personality Disorder
What scale is commonly used to assess depression in older adults?
Geriatric Depression Scale
What is cyclothymia?
A chronic pattern of fluctuating mild depressive and hypomanic symptoms for ≥2 years
What does SAFE-T stand for?
Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage
What neurotransmitter imbalance is most linked to schizophrenia?
Excess dopamine activity
Which Cluster B disorder features unstable relationships, impulsivity, and self-harm?
Borderline Personality Disorder
Which specifier describes depression that occurs primarily during winter months?
MDD with seasonal pattern
Which medication requires regular blood level monitoring due to toxicity risk?
Lithium
What are two protective factors against suicide?
Family support, religious beliefs, effective coping skills, access to care
What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms?
Positive = added behaviors (hallucinations, delusions); Negative = deficits (flat affect, avolition
What is a major nursing priority for clients with antisocial personality disorder?
Set clear boundaries and enforce limits consistently
Name one physical condition that can mimic depression.
Hypothyroidism (also stroke, Parkinson’s, or medication side effects)
What is a key nursing intervention for a manic patient?
Provide a low-stimulation environment and structured schedule
What is a key difference between suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)?
NSSI is done to relieve distress, not to die
What is the purpose of the AIMS scale?
Assess for tardive dyskinesia or extrapyramidal side effects
What is a hallmark feature of avoidant personality disorder?
Social inhibition due to feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection
What class of antidepressant has a risk of hypertensive crisis when mixed with tyramine?
MAOIs
List two side effects of lithium toxicity.
Tremor, confusion, vomiting, ataxia, or polyuria
What is an essential first nursing action when a patient expresses suicidal thoughts?
Conduct a suicide risk assessment and ensure safety (remove means, stay with patient)
Name one nursing priority when caring for a client with schizophrenia.
Promote medication adherence, ensure safety, reduce environmental stimuli, monitor for suicide risk