The diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), include the presence of five or more symptoms that have been present for at least two weeks and represent a change from previous functioning. These symptoms include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation. Additionally, these symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The specific criteria for diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder involve excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of events or activities, occurring more days than not for at least six months. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry and experiences at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness or feeling on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The anxiety and worry must cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve brought you several courses focusing on Ultrasound Guided Injection Techniques. They’ve been extremely popular, and like our other courses, the feedback has been fantastic. One thing we’ve learnt along the way is that to get the most out of learning injection techniques, a solid grounding in MSK Ultrasound ...
Posted by on 2024-02-10
What a year 2023 was! We’ve loved bringing you courses covering US of the upper and lower limb, and US guided injections through the year. The mix of health professionals from all sorts of backgrounds (Doctors, Nurses, Physios, Sonographers to name a few) has been amazing to be part of. We’ve been humbled by your ...
Posted by on 2023-09-17
The POCUS process is very different to traditional US based in a radiology establishment. And POCUS practitioners need to be aware of those factors, unique to their particular situation, that influence diagnostic accuracy. That was the topic I presented at the plenary session of the NZAMM Annual Scientific Meeting in Wellington. A picture says 1000 ...
Posted by on 2022-10-04
We’re proud to announce that the New Zealand College of Musculoskeletal Medicine has endorsed our POCUS courses for CME and as part of vocational training. The NZCMM is responsible for setting the high standards and training of Specialist Musculoskeletal Medicine Physicians in New Zealand. NZCMM endorsement is an acknowledgement that our courses meet these standards. ...
Posted by on 2022-06-23
The key symptoms used to diagnose attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms may include difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, being easily distracted, and having difficulty organizing tasks. Hyperactivity symptoms may manifest as fidgeting, excessive talking, and difficulty staying seated. Impulsivity symptoms may involve interrupting others, blurting out answers, and difficulty waiting their turn. These symptoms must be present before the age of 12, occur in multiple settings, and cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
The diagnostic criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, according to the DSM-5, include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. These deficits may manifest as difficulties in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and developing and maintaining relationships. Additionally, individuals with autism spectrum disorder may display restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These symptoms must be present in early childhood and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The specific criteria used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involve exposure to a traumatic event and the presence of four clusters of symptoms. The first cluster includes intrusive symptoms such as recurrent, distressing memories or dreams related to the traumatic event. The second cluster involves avoidance symptoms, such as avoiding reminders of the event or experiencing a diminished interest in activities. The third cluster consists of negative alterations in cognition and mood, such as negative beliefs about oneself or the world and persistent negative emotional states. The fourth cluster includes alterations in arousal and reactivity, such as irritability, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response. These symptoms must be present for at least one month and cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
The key symptoms used to diagnose borderline personality disorder include a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, as well as marked impulsivity. Individuals with borderline personality disorder may have intense and unstable relationships, engage in impulsive behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse, and experience chronic feelings of emptiness. They may also exhibit recurrent suicidal behaviors, gestures, or threats. These symptoms must be present for a sustained period of time and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The diagnostic criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia involve the presence of two or more characteristic symptoms for a significant portion of time during a one-month period. These symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms such as diminished emotional expression or avolition. Additionally, these symptoms must cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and the disturbance must persist for at least six months, with at least one month of active-phase symptoms. Other medical conditions and substance use must be ruled out as the cause of the symptoms.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a valuable imaging modality that can aid in the identification of vascular malformations within soft tissues. By utilizing high-frequency sound waves, musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide detailed images of the soft tissues, allowing for the visualization of blood vessels and potential abnormalities. This non-invasive technique can detect various types of vascular malformations, including arteriovenous malformations, venous malformations, and lymphatic malformations. Additionally, musculoskeletal ultrasound can assess the size, location, and extent of these malformations, providing crucial information for treatment planning. With its ability to accurately identify and characterize vascular malformations, musculoskeletal ultrasound plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of patients with these conditions.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound plays a crucial role in diagnosing osteoarthritis in the hand by providing detailed imaging of the affected joints and surrounding structures. This non-invasive imaging technique utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the musculoskeletal system. By examining the joint space, synovial fluid, and soft tissues, musculoskeletal ultrasound can detect characteristic signs of osteoarthritis, such as joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and synovial hypertrophy. Additionally, this imaging modality allows for the assessment of joint inflammation, effusion, and the presence of erosions or cysts, which are common features of osteoarthritis. By accurately visualizing these pathological changes, musculoskeletal ultrasound aids in the early detection and monitoring of osteoarthritis in the hand, facilitating timely intervention and management strategies.
Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is a condition characterized by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. Ultrasound findings in patients with pseudogout typically show hyperechoic or bright white areas within the affected joints, indicating the presence of these crystals. The crystals can be seen as irregular, punctate, or linear hyperechoic structures within the joint space. Additionally, ultrasound may reveal joint effusion, synovial thickening, and cartilage calcification, which are common features of pseudogout. The presence of these ultrasound findings can help in the diagnosis and management of patients with pseudogout, allowing for appropriate treatment and monitoring of the disease.
Chondromalacia patellae is a condition characterized by the softening and degeneration of the cartilage on the underside of the patella, or kneecap. When performing an ultrasound examination on patients with chondromalacia patellae, typical findings may include irregularity or thinning of the articular cartilage, presence of fissures or defects in the cartilage surface, and increased echogenicity or brightness of the cartilage. Additionally, the ultrasound may reveal the presence of joint effusion or fluid accumulation within the knee joint, as well as synovial hypertrophy or thickening of the synovial lining. These ultrasound findings are indicative of the pathological changes occurring in the patellar cartilage and can help in the diagnosis and management of chondromalacia patellae.