Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop (either immediately or delayed) following exposure to a stressful event or situation of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature. It is characterised by four groups of symptoms: intrusion symptoms, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood and alterations in arousal and reactivity. These symptoms must persist for more than 1 month and cause functional impairment for a diagnosis to be made. Its presentation is often comorbid with conditions such as depression, anxiety, anger and substance use disorder. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the aetiology of PTSD, its assessment, treatment options and prognosis.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/psychiatry/ep-183-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.

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Melanoma is among the most common forms of cancer – and causes of cancer-related death – among young adults. Its prevalence in this group has been associated with sunbathing and sunbed use. Reducing exposure to ultraviolet light is critical in the primary prevention of melanoma. Clinical features of lesion asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variability, diameter and evolution over time should raise suspicion for melanoma and prompt further assessment with dermoscopy. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at melanoma, including the different types and how to recognise them, referral criteria, treatments and prognosis.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-182-melanoma.

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In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa and Dr Will Hinchliffe (Consultant in Renal and General Medicine working in the north-east and north Cumbria) discuss the management of hyperkalaemia in primary care. They break the management down into six steps, so that when you are next faced with blood test results that show a raised potassium level, you will know exactly what to do. They first discuss who needs admission into hospital, then how to manage hyperkalaemia in the community and finally the role of potassium binders.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/renal-medicine/ep-181-management-of-hyperkalaemia-in-primary-care.

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In this final episode of a four-part series on HIV and primary care, Dr James Waldron is joined again by Dr Grace Bottoni (HIV and Hepatitis C GP Champion, Lewisham) and special guest Darren Knight (CEO of George House Trust). Together, they explore the importance of language in healthcare and how reducing HIV-related stigma is key to increasing engagement with primary care, improving lives and helping to prevent HIV transmission. This conversation brings together clinical insight, lived experience and practical strategies for making HIV care truly inclusive.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-180-rethinking-hiv-reducing-hiv-related-stigma.

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Paraesthesia is an indication of an abnormality that impacts the sensory pathways at any point from the peripheral sensory nervous system right up to the sensory cortex. The essential tool for the diagnosis of this condition is obtaining a concise patient history. This history must accurately reflect the patient's experience, including the provoking and alleviating factors, along with any existing concurrent conditions, such as diabetes and all treatments that might potentially lead to neuropathies. Treatment is based on the relevant diagnosis and mechanism to address the cause. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses paraesthesia, covering its causes, investigations and treatment.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-179-paraesthesia.

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A tremor is defined as an involuntary rhythmic oscillation of one or more body parts, mediated by alternating contractions of reciprocally acting muscles. Tremors typically affect the upper extremities but can also affect the head, chin, voice or legs. Although some tremors may be mild and cause little impact to quality of life, requiring no treatment, others may impair activities of daily living or occupation, which may lead to embarrassment and social withdrawal. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson gives an overview of the different types of tremor, looking at ways of distinguishing them and how each is usually managed.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-178-tremor.

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Postnasal drip is a condition where excess mucus from the nose and sinuses accumulates and flows down the back of the throat. This can lead to symptoms such as throat clearing, coughing, a scratchy or sore throat, hoarseness and bad breath. Common causes include allergies, colds, sinus infections, weather changes, acid reflux and irritants such as smoke. Treatment typically involves managing the underlying cause through medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays, as well as maintaining proper hydration. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days or are accompanied by fever or discoloured mucus, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out infections or other issues. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson provides an overview of these areas to help us easily diagnose this common problem in our surgeries.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ear-nose-and-throat/ep-177-postnasal-drip.

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Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms affecting the lower urinary tract. LUTS can significantly reduce men's quality of life and may point to serious problems in the urogenital tract. The pathogenesis of LUTS is multifactorial and can include one or several diagnoses, commonly benign prostatic obstruction, nocturnal polyuria (polynocturia) and detrusor muscle instability. LUTS are common and not necessarily a reason for suspecting prostate cancer. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson gives an overview of male LUTS, including investigations, referral criteria and treatment options.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/urology/ep-176-lower-urinary-tract-symptoms-in-men.

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Scabies is a condition that can cause significant distress due to the intense itching associated with the condition and concerns about social stigma. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the risk factors for contracting scabies, the signs and symptoms associated with the condition, preferred treatment options and indications for involving secondary care.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-175-scabies.

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Acute cholecystitis is often seen in primary care patients and is a major complication of cholelithiasis. Symptomatic gallstones occur in up to 10% of patients before developing cholecystitis. Patients typically present with pain and localised tenderness, with or without guarding, in the upper right quadrant. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson provides an overview of this common problem, looking at its risk factors, causes, symptoms, investigations and the treatment options available, as well as the prognosis and advice to give our patients to help prevent recurrence.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-174-acute-cholecystitis.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.