CAQ-Psychiatry case studies
CAQ-Psychiatry · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certification of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Psychiatry is an ABPN subspecialty credential for physicians already board certified in psychiatry who want formal recognition in a focused area of practice. ABPN is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties, and its stated mission is "Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934." Candidates typically pursue a CAQ after completing accredited subspecialty fellowship training and passing the corresponding examination. The CAQ-Psychiatry case studies are 5 cases and about 2,743 words.
1First-Episode Psychosis in a 16-Year-Old With Daily Cannabis Use
A 16-year-old sophomore is brought by his parents after a school counselor reports that he has been whispering to unseen people and accusing classmates of poisoning his lunch. For 6 weeks he has slept 3–4 hours nightly, stopped showering, and dropped from honors to failing grades.
638 words, about 3 min2Hyponatremia and Cognitive Decline in an 82-Year-Old on Paroxetine
An 82-year-old widow is brought by her daughter for 3 months of low mood, 6-kg weight loss, and 'forgetfulness.' She lives alone, has fallen twice in 4 weeks, and now takes her pills erratically. Medications: paroxetine 20 mg daily for 8 years, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily, amlodipine 10 mg, and over-the-counter ibuprofen.
533 words, about 3 min3Bipolar I Disorder and Unplanned Pregnancy on Valproate
A 29-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder presents at 9 weeks' gestation after an unplanned pregnancy. She has been maintained on valproate 1,000 mg/day for 3 years, with two prior manic episodes requiring hospitalization, one after stopping lithium.
555 words, about 3 min4Postoperative Agitation on Linezolid, Fluoxetine, and Tramadol
A 67-year-old man is admitted to the orthopedic unit 2 days after hip replacement. He is on linezolid for a resistant wound infection, fluoxetine 40 mg daily for depression, and tramadol for pain.
504 words, about 3 min5Opioid Use Disorder in a Patient With Chronic Pain
A 45-year-old construction worker with chronic low back pain after a fall is referred for 'medication nonadherence.' He has been on oxycodone 10 mg every 6 hours for 2 years. He admits to using extra pills, obtaining two early refills from an emergency department, and occasionally snorting crushed tablets.
513 words, about 3 min