MRCPsych CASC: Assessment of School Refusal This MRCPsych CASC Sample Case assesses a child's refusal to attend school. It is important to consider several key factors when evaluating the situation. First, it is crucial to determine the age of the child and whether they desired to attend the scheduled appointment. It is also important to determine who is currently responsible for their care and if they have any connections to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) or social services. The duration of the child's refusal to attend school should also be considered, as well as the different perspectives on the cause of the refusal from the child, their parents, and the school. It is important to determine if the child is refusing other situations. If the child is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, it is important to note that they may have worries about the safety of their caregiver and follow them closely in all situations. It is also important to assess the pote

Somatic Delusions Introduction: Somatic delusions are a delusion that can significantly impact a person's perception of their body and bodily functions. In this note, we will examine the definition, prevalence, causes, and treatment of somatic delusions. Definition: Somatic delusions are delusions in which an individual has a false belief or conviction about their body or bodily functions. The belief can manifest in various ways, such as a belief that the individual has a serious illness or medical condition, that parts of their body are missing or not functioning correctly, or infested with parasites or insects. Prevalence: Somatic delusions are commonly associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychotic features. In addition, somatic delusions can also occur in medical conditions that affect the brain, such as dementia or traumatic brain injury. Causes: The precise cause of somatic delusions is not entirel

MRCPsych CASC: Assessment of an aggressive Patient in the Emergency Department Scenario: A patient with a severe psychiatric disorder has become aggressive. You have been called to assess him in the psychiatric emergency department.  Introduction  Assessing a patient with a severe psychiatric disorder can be a challenging task, especially if the patient is aggressive. It is essential to approach the assessment with caution and to prioritize the safety of both the patient and the assessing psychiatrist. Here are the steps for assessing a patient with a severe psychiatric disorder: Establish rapport:  The first step is to establish a rapport with the patient. This can be done by introducing oneself and explaining the purpose of the assessment. For example, the trainee psychiatrist can say, "Hello, I am Dr. [Name]. I am here to talk to you and assess how you are feeling." Gather information: The next step is to gather information about the patient's current symptoms and past

CASC Notes: Emergency Assessment of an Angry or Anxious Patient or Relative As you enter the station, it is important to show your badge to the examiner and nod while saying a quiet "Thanks". When you meet the relative or patient, they may be standing up, so it's best to start by taking a seat yourself. You can say, "Hello, my name is Dr Waleed. Thank you so much for agreeing to see me today. Do you mind if I take a seat?" Starting with a calm and friendly approach is crucial in building rapport with the patient or relative. You can say, "First of all, thank you so much for coming to see me today. Good communication between patients or relatives and the psychiatry team is very important to us, and we value it greatly." You can also express your empathy and acknowledge their difficult situation by saying, "I can't imagine how difficult it must be as a mother/father/sister/carer to see your loved one suffering like this." If the relative or

How to Prepare for the MRCPsych CASC Exam Introduction What is the MRCPsych CASC exam? The MRCPsych CASC (Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies) exam is a competency-based examination that assesses the practical skills and knowledge of mental health professionals in the field of psychiatry. The exam is designed to test the ability of candidates to manage complex clinical cases and make appropriate decisions in a simulated clinical setting. Why is it important for mental health professionals? The MRCPsych CASC exam is a crucial step for mental health professionals who want to attain consultant level in the field of psychiatry. It is also a requirement for those who want to work in the UK National Health Service (NHS) as a consultant psychiatrist. Passing the MRCPsych CASC exam demonstrates that a mental health professional has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care to patients. Set Realistic Goals Determine your current level of knowledge and skills Bef