Neurology in the psychiatric patient: how to think about differentials in altered mental status and diagnoses not to miss. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McLaughlin, Jonathan; Young, Tim
• Is Part Of: BJPsych advances. Volume 28:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 226
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Clinical neurology -- neuropsychiatry -- altered mental status -- differential diagnosis -- cognitive decline; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bja.2021.67
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4678

Abstract

SUMMARY: A wide variety of neurological conditions may present first to a psychiatrist and it is important to be aware of these in differential diagnosis. A careful history, examination and a broad differential diagnosis can help set up an appropriate management plan – with room to change if things change in unexpected ways. In this article we explore common ground shared by psychiatry and neurology and show how incorporation of neurological knowledge can improve the practice of psychiatry. Using four fictional case vignettes of altered mental status we explore important neurological differential diagnoses which could present to the Psychiatrist.