This guide summarizes the preferred medications for various psychiatric conditions, useful for students preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam. Understanding the primary treatment choices for each disorder aids in quick recall and clinical decision-making during exams.
| Psychiatric Condition | Preferred Medications |
|---|---|
| ADHD | Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) |
| Alcohol Withdrawal | Benzodiazepines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam, diazepam) |
| Bipolar Disorder | Lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, atypical antipsychotics |
| Bulimia Nervosa | SSRIs |
| Depression | SSRIs |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | SSRIs, SNRIs |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | SSRIs, venlafaxine, clomipramine |
| Panic Disorder | SSRIs, venlafaxine, benzodiazepines |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | SSRIs, venlafaxine |
| Schizophrenia | Atypical antipsychotics |
| Social Anxiety Disorder | SSRIs, venlafaxine |
| Performance-only Social Anxiety | β-blockers, benzodiazepines |
| Tourette Syndrome | Antipsychotics (e.g., fluphenazine, risperidone), tetrabenazine |
| Drug Class | Primary Indications |
|---|---|
| SSRIs | Depression, GAD, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, bulimia |
| Benzodiazepines | Alcohol withdrawal, panic disorder (acute), performance anxiety |
| Stimulants | ADHD |
| Atypical Antipsychotics | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| Mood Stabilizers | Bipolar disorder (Lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine) |
| β-Blockers | Performance anxiety |
| Tetrabenazine | Tourette syndrome |
Knowing the primary drug classes and specific medications for psychiatric disorders, along with their major side effects and monitoring requirements, is essential for USMLE success.
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