[rasheed]

Commonly seen in USMLE is questions that can only be answered when we know the DSM IV specified duration to define a psychiatric illness:

Here's some high-yield examples:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ---- > More than 1 Month duration But if less than 1 Month then think Acute Stress Disorder (symptoms should present for more than 2 days)
• Adjustment Disorder -----------> Less than 6 Months duration within the three months of the causative stressful event
• Somatization Disorder ------> For prolonged periods of time, if shorter then think of conversion disorders. Also there should be more than 8 physical symptoms and onset before age 30
• Normal Grief ----------> Up to one year, if more then think of major depression
• Dysthymic and Cyclothymic disorders ------------> More than 2 Years duration
• Schizophreniform disorder -------------> More than 1 Month and less than 6 Months (just like schizophrenia but shorter duration)
• Brief psychiatric disorder -------------> 1-30 days only
• Delusional disorder -------------> at least One Month of non-bizarre delusion
• Conduct disorder --------> before age 18 Years, if continued it's called Antisocial personality disorder
• Conduct disorder ------> Duration more than one Year
• Oppositional Defiant disorder ------> Duration more than 6 Months
• Major depression ---------- > More than 2 Weeks duration
• Bipolar disorder ----------- > More than 1 Week duration (One attack is enough to make the diagnosis)
• Generalized anxiety disorder ----------- > More than 6 Months duration
• Hypochondriasis ----> More than 6 Months duration
• Panic Disorder ------------------ > At least three attacks withing 3 weeks and onset to peak of the attack is within 10 minutes
• Tourette syndrome ------ > More than 1 Year duration and must be diagnosed before age 18 Years.
• Narcolepsy ----> Duration of daytime sleepiness must be more than 3 Months
• Mental retardation ----> Onset before age 18
• ADHD ------> Duration at least 6 Months and Onset before age 7 Years
• Autism -----> Onset before age 3 Years
• Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis ----> Never diagnose before age 5 Years
• Stranger anxiety ---> 8 Months to 2 Years old
• Separation anxiety ----> Onset 1 to 3 Years old and may continue into adolescence

 

[khanar]

Great

This is a great post, thank you Rasheed

 

[inder]

wow, this is extremely helpful =). Thanks so much for taking the time to list them for us.

 

[INCOGNITO]

though i have not read it yet but i think it will be good post
thanks a lot)