Memory AnchorsNLE · Psychiatric DisordersReal content

NLE Psychiatric Disorders — Personality, Somatic, and Eating DisordersMemory Anchors

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Memory anchors for Personality, Somatic, and Eating Disorders — mnemonic devices, acronyms, and tricks that make the NLE Psychiatric Disorders syllabus stick. Use these when a concept just will not stay in your head.

Exam context

On the NLE 2026, the Psychiatric Disorders subtest carries a "Core" weight in Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Nursing's pattern. Personality, Somatic, and Eating Disorders lands at position 4th out of 7 in the standard review order. Target score is 75% weighted average with no sub-test below 60%, and roughly 50 items come from Psychiatric Disorders on a typical NLE paper.

Personality, Somatic, and Eating Disorders - Memory Anchors

Memory techniques transform dry clinical facts into vivid, unforgettable mental images. Research shows that the brain retains information far better when it is linked to emotion, story, humor, or visual imagery — this is called the 'encoding specificity principle.' For the NLE, you must recall dozens of signs, symptoms, and nursing interventions under exam pressure. These memory anchors use mnemonics, analogies, micro-stories, and visual associations to wire the facts into long-term memory so they surface automatically when you need them. The more ridiculous or emotionally charged the image, the better it sticks. Let's make these psychiatric concepts impossible to forget!

Anchors

Topic

Personality Disorders — Cluster A

Concept

Personality Disorder Cluster A — Odd/Eccentric (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal)

Anchor Id

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Cluster A = 'Weird Uncle PAUL' — P for Paranoid (thinks everyone is out to get him), S for Schizoid (loner, no friends needed), St for Schizotypal (wears a crystal amulet and talks to spirits). Remember: Cluster A sounds like 'Alay' — they are 'naka-alay sa sarili' (withdrawn and odd). The letter A = 'Abnormally alone and suspicious.'

Anchor Type

acronym

Why It Works

The Filipino cultural reference 'alay sa sarili' plus the vivid 'Weird Uncle' character creates an emotional, relatable image. The alliteration 'Abnormally Alone' reinforces the cluster theme.

Example Usage

Question asks which cluster involves social detachment and suspiciousness → Think 'Weird Uncle PAUL at the reunion' → Cluster A (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal).

Recall Trigger

Think of that one quiet, suspicious tito at the family reunion who sits alone and thinks everyone is gossiping about him.

Topic

Personality Disorders — Cluster B

Concept

Personality Disorder Cluster B — Dramatic/Emotional/Erratic (Borderline, Antisocial, Histrionic, Narcissistic)

Anchor Id

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Cluster B = 'BAHN' — B for Borderline, A for Antisocial, H for Histrionic, N for Narcissistic. Say it as 'BAHN!' like the sound of a dramatic entrance at a teleserye. Cluster B = 'Bigla at Buhay' — loud, dramatic, always causing conflict. Think of the most 'OA' (over-acting) character in any Filipino drama — that is Cluster B.

Anchor Type

acronym

Why It Works

Filipino teleserye culture makes this instantly relatable. The 'BAHN!' sound mimics the dramatic music stings in Philippine soap operas, creating a strong auditory-emotional anchor.

Example Usage

NLE item describes a client who manipulates staff, has no remorse, and violates others' rights → Recall 'BAHN' → Antisocial PD falls under Cluster B.

Recall Trigger

Think 'teleserye villain who steals the spotlight and manipulates everyone' → BAHN → Cluster B.

Topic

Personality Disorders — Cluster C

Concept

Personality Disorder Cluster C — Anxious/Fearful (Avoidant, Dependent, OCPD)

Anchor Id

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Cluster C = 'ADO' (Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-compulsive PD). Think of the Filipino word 'ADO' as in 'walang ado' but reversed — these clients have TOO MUCH ado (anxiety, worry, and clinging). Cluster C = 'Clutching with anxiety.' Imagine a student before board exam: Avoidant hides in the comfort room (fears criticism), Dependent calls their mom every 5 minutes to decide which answer to pick, and OCPD re-checks their answer sheet 20 times for perfect alignment.

Anchor Type

analogy

Why It Works

The board exam scenario is directly relatable to Filipino nursing students, making the abstract personality types concrete and memorable through a familiar, emotionally resonant situation.

Example Usage

Client avoids social situations due to fear of rejection and feels inadequate → Recall 'anxious student hiding' → Avoidant PD, Cluster C.

Recall Trigger

Think of a very anxious, clingy student during PRC board exam day → Cluster C (ADO).

Topic

Borderline Personality Disorder

Concept

Borderline Personality Disorder hallmarks: fear of abandonment, splitting, self-mutilation, identity disturbance, chronic emptiness, impulsivity

Anchor Id

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Use 'FIASCO' — Fear of abandonment, Identity disturbance, Affect instability, Splitting (seeing people as all good or all bad), Cutting/self-harm (impulsive self-mutilation), and bOrederline emptiness (chronic emptiness). A 'FIASCO' is a dramatic disaster — exactly what happens in the client's relationships and inner life! Picture a jeepney ride that turns into a complete fiasco: the driver is either 'best driver ever' (idealization) or 'worst driver in the world' (devaluation) — that's SPLITTING.

Anchor Type

acronym

Why It Works

The jeepney splitting analogy connects an abstract defense mechanism to a vivid everyday Filipino experience. 'FIASCO' captures the chaotic, dramatic nature of BPD relationships.

Example Usage

NLE question: nurse notices client tells one shift nurse she is wonderful but tells the next nurse she is terrible → Recall FIASCO → This is SPLITTING, characteristic of Borderline PD.

Recall Trigger

Think 'relationship FIASCO' and jeepney splitting → Borderline PD hallmarks.

Topic

Borderline Personality Disorder — Nursing Management

Concept

Nursing approach for Borderline PD: consistent limits, unified team approach, prevent splitting

Anchor Id

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Nurse Bea works in a psychiatric ward with a client who has BPD. On Monday, the client tells Bea, 'You are the only nurse who truly understands me — the others are all incompetent!' On Tuesday, the client tells the charge nurse Bea is cruel. Nurse Bea knows this is SPLITTING. She calls a quick team huddle: 'Same rules for everyone, same tone, one plan.' The team posts the care plan on the board so every nurse gives identical responses. The client can no longer divide and conquer. LESSON: BPD care = CONSISTENCY + UNIFIED TEAM + FIRM LIMITS. Think '3C': Consistency, Cohesion (team), Control (safe limits).

Anchor Type

micro_story

Why It Works

The narrative micro-story activates episodic memory, which is more durable than semantic memory. The Filipino nursing ward context makes it professionally grounding.

Example Usage

NLE asks best nursing intervention for BPD client who manipulates staff → Recall 3C → Maintain consistent limits with a unified team approach.

Recall Trigger

Think 'Nurse Bea's team huddle against splitting' → 3C approach for BPD.

Topic

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Concept

Antisocial PD: manipulation, deceitfulness, no remorse, violates others' rights

Anchor Id

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Picture a MASK with no teardrops (no remorse) lying on top of a rulebook that has been shredded (violates rules/laws). The mask is smiling and has puppet strings attached to it (manipulation). This is the visual symbol for Antisocial PD. In the Philippine context, think of a corrupt official who smiles while manipulating people, shreds the law, and feels zero guilt — that is the antisocial personality pattern.

Anchor Type

visual_association

Why It Works

Visual imagery is processed faster and retained longer than verbal information. The Philippine corruption reference adds emotional salience and cultural relevance.

Example Usage

NLE item: client repeatedly lies to nurse, blames others for problems, shows no remorse → Recall smiling mask image → Antisocial PD, Cluster B.

Recall Trigger

Smiling mask + shredded rulebook + puppet strings → Antisocial PD.

Topic

Borderline PD — Treatment

Concept

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the treatment of choice for Borderline PD

Anchor Id

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

D-B-T for B-P-D — 'When emotions run wild and the self cannot see, DBT is the therapy that sets the client free!' DBT teaches Distress tolerance, emotion Balance, and interpersonal Therapy skills — D, B, T — just like the name. Remember: 'Borderline needs a Boundary → DBT builds it.'

Anchor Type

rhyme

Why It Works

The rhyme creates a phonological loop effect — the brain rehearses the sound pattern, reinforcing recall. The alliteration of 'Boundary' and 'BPD' creates an additional memory hook.

Example Usage

NLE asks about the most effective psychotherapy for BPD → Recall rhyme → DBT.

Recall Trigger

Hear 'DBT' → Rhyme 'sets the client free' → Borderline PD treatment.

Topic

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders — Conversion Disorder

Concept

Conversion Disorder — 'la belle indifférence' (lack of concern about neurologic symptom)

Anchor Id

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Imagine a Beauty Queen (la belle = the beautiful) who discovers she cannot move her right arm the morning of the pageant. Instead of panicking, she serenely walks on stage and says, 'No problem, I'll wave with my left hand!' That calm, strangely unbothered attitude in the face of a disabling neurologic symptom IS 'la belle indifférence.' The beauty queen does not seem to care — and neither does the conversion disorder client. 'La belle' = beautiful/unbothered → Conversion Disorder.

Anchor Type

analogy

Why It Works

The beauty pageant image is culturally familiar in the Philippines (home of many international beauty titlists), making this an emotionally vivid and culturally resonant anchor.

Example Usage

NLE: client has sudden paralysis but appears unconcerned about it → Recall beauty queen → la belle indifférence, Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder).

Recall Trigger

Think 'beauty queen calmly ignoring her paralyzed arm' → la belle indifférence → Conversion Disorder.

Topic

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders — Nursing Management

Concept

Nursing principle for somatic disorders: do NOT confront, rule out organic cause, limit secondary gain

Anchor Id

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Nurse Carlo's patient Maria insists she has a terrible stomachache every time it is time for group therapy. Tests show no organic cause. Nurse Carlo's first mistake: 'Maria, it is all in your head!' Maria feels dismissed and becomes worse. His second (correct) approach: He orders necessary assessments to rule out real illness first, acknowledges 'I understand you feel real pain,' then gives Maria calm, matter-of-fact care. He does NOT give extra attention or let her skip group (limits secondary gain). Over time, he helps her connect: 'What happened right before the pain started today?' Lesson: RULE OUT → ACKNOWLEDGE → LIMIT GAIN → CONNECT STRESS TO SYMPTOMS.

Anchor Type

micro_story

Why It Works

The contrast between the wrong and right approach in a narrative format makes the correct intervention memorable through error-correction learning, which is highly effective for adult learners.

Example Usage

NLE: best response to client who always has headache before discharge? → Recall Nurse Carlo → Acknowledge, rule out organic cause, limit secondary gain.

Recall Trigger

Think 'Nurse Carlo's stomachache patient' → Never confront, rule out first, limit secondary gain.

Topic

Anorexia Nervosa — Physical Assessment

Concept

Anorexia Nervosa physical signs: amenorrhea, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, lanugo, electrolyte imbalance

Anchor Id

A10

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Use 'ABCHL-E' — A for Amenorrhea, B for Bradycardia, C for Cold (hypothermia), H for Hypotension, L for Lanugo, E for Electrolyte imbalance. Say it as 'A Bad Cold Has Lanugo Everywhere!' Imagine a very thin person wrapped in fine baby hair (lanugo) shivering in the cold with a slow heartbeat — that is the anorexia picture. Lanugo = the body growing hair to keep itself warm because there is no fat left.

Anchor Type

acronym

Why It Works

The sentence 'A Bad Cold Has Lanugo Everywhere' is vivid and absurd enough to stick. The physiological explanation for lanugo adds meaning-based encoding, which dramatically improves retention.

Example Usage

NLE: which sign is expected in anorexia nervosa? → Recall ABCHL-E → bradycardia, lanugo, amenorrhea, hypothermia, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance — all are correct answers.

Recall Trigger

Think 'A Bad Cold Has Lanugo Everywhere' → ABCHL-E → Anorexia physical signs.

Topic

Bulimia Nervosa — Assessment

Concept

Bulimia Nervosa: normal/near-normal weight, binge-purge, Russell's sign, dental erosion, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis

Anchor Id

A11

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Picture a person who looks completely NORMAL but secretly carries a 'BINGE BAG' and a 'PURGE BUCKET.' On her knuckles are CALLUSES (Russell's sign — from self-induced vomiting). Her teeth are eroded like chalk in acid rain (dental enamel erosion from gastric acid). Her blood is ALKALINE like baking soda water (metabolic alkalosis from losing HCl acid via vomiting). Her POTASSIUM is low (hypokalemia — lost with vomiting). The visible clue: her NORMAL WEIGHT hides a dangerous secret. Key visual: NORMAL OUTSIDE, STORM INSIDE.

Anchor Type

visual_association

Why It Works

The contrast 'normal outside, storm inside' captures the most clinically important distinguishing feature of bulimia (normal weight, unlike anorexia). Visual details of the knuckles and teeth trigger recall of physical signs.

Example Usage

NLE: client is normal weight but has dental caries, calloused knuckles, hypokalemia → Recall 'normal outside, storm inside' → Bulimia Nervosa (Russell's sign).

Recall Trigger

Think 'normal-looking person with calloused knuckles and eroded teeth' → Bulimia Nervosa.

Topic

Refeeding Syndrome

Concept

Refeeding Syndrome: hallmark is hypophosphatemia, also hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, occurs when nutrition reintroduced too rapidly in malnourished clients

Anchor Id

A12

Difficulty

hard

Memory Aid

Maria has been starving for months in an acute anorexia crisis. The team starts her on NG tube feeds at full rate to 'catch up.' By Day 2, she develops a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia and her phosphate level is critically low. The resident explains: 'When food floods back in, insulin spikes and SUCKS ALL THE PHOSPHATE (and potassium and magnesium) INTO THE CELLS — leaving the blood empty of these electrolytes. The heart cannot handle it.' Think of it as a DRY RIVER SUDDENLY FLOODED — the banks collapse (cellular dysfunction, cardiac failure). LESSON: FEED SLOW. Monitor PHOSPHATE FIRST, then K+ and Mg2+. REFEEDING SYNDROME = RE-FLOOD SYNDROME.

Anchor Type

micro_story

Why It Works

The flood metaphor physically explains the pathophysiology (shift of electrolytes into cells). The dramatic medical story creates emotional memory encoding and makes the danger of refeeding tangible.

Example Usage

NLE: malnourished anorexic client starts nutrition support; which electrolyte must be monitored most closely? → Recall 'dry river flooded' → PHOSPHATE (hallmark of refeeding syndrome), plus K+ and Mg2+.

Recall Trigger

Think 'dry river suddenly flooded — banks collapse' → Refeeding Syndrome → Hypophosphatemia.

Topic

Eating Disorders — Pharmacology

Concept

Bupropion is CONTRAINDICATED in eating disorders because it lowers the seizure threshold in purging clients

Anchor Id

A13

Difficulty

hard

Memory Aid

Remember: 'Bupropion — just say NO when they PURGE and GO! Lowered seizure threshold — a seizure is the show!' The 'purge and go' refers to purging behaviors; the 'seizure is the show' means bupropion can trigger seizures in clients who purge (due to electrolyte imbalances already lowering seizure threshold). Compare: FLUOXETINE is the FRIEND of bulimia — 'Fluoxetine helps Bulimia break free!'

Anchor Type

rhyme

Why It Works

Contrasting the contraindicated drug (bupropion) with the indicated drug (fluoxetine) in rhyme form prevents confusion between the two — a classic pharmacology NLE trap.

Example Usage

NLE: which antidepressant is contraindicated in a client with bulimia nervosa? → Recall rhyme → Bupropion (risk of seizures in purging clients).

Recall Trigger

Think 'purge and go — say NO to bupropion' → Fluoxetine YES, Bupropion NO for eating disorders.

Topic

Eating Disorders — Nursing Interventions

Concept

Post-meal observation in eating disorders: observe client during AND about 1 hour after meals to prevent purging

Anchor Id

A14

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Remember the '1+1 Rule' for eating disorders: OBSERVE during the meal (1st 1) AND for ONE HOUR after the meal (2nd 1). This is because purging typically occurs very soon after eating. Chunk it: 'Eat → Watch → 60 minutes → Still watching.' Think of it as an OB waiting room: you do not leave the laboring mother alone just because the baby has not come out yet — you STAY for the critical period. The '60-minute guard' prevents the client from purging in the bathroom.

Anchor Type

chunking

Why It Works

The 1+1 Rule is a simple numerical chunk that is easy to recall under exam pressure. The labor room analogy connects to clinical experience already familiar to nursing students.

Example Usage

NLE: after serving lunch to a client with anorexia nervosa, what should the nurse do next? → Recall 1+1 Rule → Observe during and for approximately one hour after the meal to prevent hiding or discarding food and purging.

Recall Trigger

Think '1+1 Rule — 60-minute guard after meals' → Eating disorder post-meal surveillance.

Topic

Eating Disorders — Priority and Significance

Concept

Eating disorders have the HIGHEST MORTALITY RATE among all psychiatric disorders

Anchor Id

A15

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Picture a SCALE with a SKULL AND CROSSBONES on one side and the words 'ALL PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS' on the other side — the EATING DISORDER side tips DOWN, heavier (most dangerous). The skull and crossbones on the scale pan represents the highest mortality. Every time you see a nutrition tray in a psychiatric unit, remember: this tray represents LIFE OR DEATH — eating disorders kill more than any other psychiatric illness.

Anchor Type

visual_association

Why It Works

The skull-and-crossbones symbol is universally recognized as danger/death, creating an instant visual anchor. The scale metaphor makes the comparison concrete.

Example Usage

NLE: which psychiatric disorder carries the highest mortality rate? → Recall skull-scale → Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa).

Recall Trigger

Visualize the scale tipping toward skull and crossbones → Eating disorders = highest psychiatric mortality.

Topic

Philippine Mental Health Act

Concept

RA 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Act) governs psychiatric care — protects client rights and promotes community-based treatment

Anchor Id

A16

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Think of RA 11036 as the 'SHIELD LAW' for mental health in the Philippines. Just as a nurse's license (RA 9173) is the shield for nursing practice, RA 11036 is the shield for the mental health client. The year 11036 — 'ONE-ONE-ZERO-THREE-SIX' — remember it as 'ONE shield (1) for ONE patient (1), with ZERO (0) discrimination, THREE (3) levels of care (tertiary, secondary, community), and SIX rights protected.' Community-based: LGUs and barangay health centers are the frontlines of mental health under this law.

Anchor Type

analogy

Why It Works

Breaking down the law number into a meaningful phrase creates chunked numerical memory. The shield analogy connects RA 11036 to the already-memorized RA 9173, leveraging existing memory structures.

Example Usage

NLE: which Philippine law mandates the protection of mental health rights and community-based psychiatric care? → Recall 'Shield Law' → RA 11036, Philippine Mental Health Act.

Recall Trigger

Think 'SHIELD LAW for mental health' → RA 11036.

Topic

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders — Differential

Concept

Somatic Symptom Disorder vs. Factitious Disorder vs. Malingering — key distinction: intentionality and motivation

Anchor Id

A17

Difficulty

hard

Memory Aid

Think of THREE ACTORS on a stage: ACTOR 1 (Somatic Symptom Disorder) — genuinely BELIEVES she is sick. Her symptoms are real to her and NOT faked. She is not acting at all. ACTOR 2 (Factitious Disorder — Munchausen) — FAKES or induces symptoms to play the SICK ROLE. She wants to be a patient. No external reward needed — she just loves the attention of being ill. ACTOR 3 (Malingering) — FAKES symptoms for a PRIZE: insurance money, avoiding military duty, getting out of jail. She is acting for personal GAIN. Trick: 'MUNCHAUSEN = MEDICAL ATTENTION addict, MALINGERER = MONEY addict.'

Anchor Type

analogy

Why It Works

The three-actor stage metaphor creates a clear visual separation between three commonly confused concepts. The 'attention vs. money addict' contrast is a simple distinguishing principle.

Example Usage

NLE: client fakes illness to avoid military service → Recall actor 3 (prize/money) → Malingering, NOT factitious disorder.

Recall Trigger

Think 'three actors on a stage' → Somatic (real, not intentional), Factitious (sick role, no external gain), Malingering (external gain/money).

Topic

Eating Disorders — Nursing Interventions

Concept

Weight monitoring in eating disorders: same time, same scale, same clothing

Anchor Id

A18

Difficulty

easy

Memory Aid

Weigh with the '3 SAMES RULE': 'Same TIME, same SCALE, same CLOTHES — that's how accurate weight monitoring goes!' Think of it as weighing your baon (packed lunch) every day on the same kitchen scale at the same time in the same bag — changing any variable changes the measurement. For eating disorder clients who are known to hide weights (water-loading, hiding objects), the 3 Sames Rule ensures consistency and accuracy.

Anchor Type

rhyme

Why It Works

The rhyme plus the baon analogy makes the rule immediately memorable. The clinical rationale (preventing manipulation of weight) adds logical anchoring.

Example Usage

NLE: how should the nurse measure weight in an anorexia nervosa client? → Recall 3 Sames Rule → same time (usually morning), same scale, same clothing.

Recall Trigger

Think '3 Sames Rule — baon on the same scale' → Eating disorder weight monitoring.

Topic

OCPD vs. OCD

Concept

OCPD vs. OCD — key distinction: OCPD is ego-syntonic (consistent with self-view), OCD has true obsessions and compulsions that are ego-dystonic (unwanted)

Anchor Id

A19

Difficulty

hard

Memory Aid

OCPD person = a PERFECTIONIST MANAGER who WANTS to be in control. He LIKES his rigid rules — they feel right to him (ego-syntonic). He is not distressed by his orderliness; he is distressed when others are NOT orderly. OCD person = a client who HATES that he has to check the door lock 30 times. The checking feels FOREIGN and UNWANTED (ego-dystonic). He knows it is irrational but cannot stop. KEY PHRASE: 'OCPD WANTS control. OCD is CONTROLLED by the thoughts.' Think 'PD = Personality = character trait. OCD = Disorder = unwanted intrusion.'

Anchor Type

analogy

Why It Works

The manager vs. reluctant-checker contrast clearly illustrates the ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic distinction, which is the single most important differential between OCPD and OCD.

Example Usage

NLE: client is preoccupied with orderliness and perfectionism but does NOT find it distressing → Recall 'perfectionist manager' → OCPD, NOT OCD.

Recall Trigger

Think 'perfectionist manager who WANTS control' → OCPD. 'Person tormented by unwanted urge' → OCD.

Topic

Eating Disorders — Priority Nursing Care

Concept

Priority in eating disorders: address PHYSICAL/MEDICAL complications FIRST before psychotherapy

Anchor Id

A20

Difficulty

medium

Memory Aid

Use MASLOW as your guide: PHYSIOLOGICAL needs (electrolyte balance, cardiac stability, nutritional status) come FIRST. Remember the mantra: 'STABILIZE BEFORE THERAPY.' Think of a SINKING SHIP: before you talk about why the ship is sinking (psychological work), you PLUG THE HOLE (fix the electrolytes, correct the cardiac arrhythmia, treat the hypophosphatemia). Then, once the ship is stable, you can discuss the deeper issues. In Philippine triage: 'Pisikal muna, mental pagkatapos.' (Physical first, mental after.)

Anchor Type

mnemonic

Why It Works

Maslow's hierarchy is already deeply encoded in nursing education. The sinking ship analogy and the Filipino phrase create multiple overlapping memory pathways.

Example Usage

NLE: priority nursing action for newly admitted client with anorexia and hypokalemia → Recall sinking ship → Correct electrolyte imbalance and monitor cardiac status FIRST.

Recall Trigger

Think 'sinking ship — plug the hole first' → Physical stabilization before psychotherapy in eating disorders.

Revision Game

Bulimia Nervosa

Clue

I look completely normal on the outside, but my knuckles tell a different story — they are calloused and scarred. My teeth are eroding like chalk in acid. My blood is alkaline and my potassium is dangerously low. What disorder do I have?

Memory Link

Anchor A11 — 'Normal outside, storm inside' visual association; Russell's sign on knuckles, dental erosion, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis.

Refeeding Syndrome — should have introduced nutrition slowly and monitored PhosKaMag (phosphate, potassium, magnesium)

Clue

I am a nurse starting a severely malnourished patient on tube feeding at full rate. By the next day, her heart is in a dangerous rhythm and her phosphate level is critically low. What did I just cause — and what should I have done?

Memory Link

Anchor A12 — 'Dry river suddenly flooded' micro-story; 'SLOW PhosKaMag HEART FLUID' recall chain.

La belle indifférence — Conversion Disorder

Clue

She woke up this morning unable to move her right arm. Strangely, when I assess her, she seems completely unbothered — almost serene — about this disabling symptom. She smiles and says, 'Oh well!' What term describes her reaction?

Memory Link

Anchor A8 — 'Beauty queen calmly ignoring her paralyzed arm' analogy.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Clue

I am the therapy of choice for Borderline Personality Disorder. I teach distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. My initials match the disorder I treat. What am I?

Memory Link

Anchor A7 — 'DBT for BPD — sets the client free!' rhyme.

I am Fluoxetine (safe in bulimia). My friend is Bupropion (CONTRAINDICATED in eating disorders).

Clue

I am an antidepressant. I am used adjunctively in bulimia nervosa and I work well. My friend, however, should NEVER be given to eating disorder clients because it causes seizures in purging patients. What are our names?

Memory Link

Anchor A13 — 'Purge and go — say NO to bupropion; Fluoxetine helps Bulimia break free!' rhyme.

RA 11036 — Philippine Mental Health Act

Clue

This Philippine law is the shield for mental health clients. It protects their rights and promotes community-based treatment. What is its Republic Act number?

Memory Link

Anchor A16 — 'SHIELD LAW — ONE-ONE-ZERO-THREE-SIX' analogy.

Anorexia Nervosa. Physical signs include: Lanugo, Amenorrhea, Bradycardia (also Hypotension, Hypothermia, Electrolyte imbalance).

Clue

I have all the hallmarks of my cluster: fine body hair growing to compensate for lost insulation, no menstruation, a heart rate of 44 bpm, blood pressure of 80/50, and I think I am still overweight even at 35 kg. Name my disorder and give 3 of my physical signs.

Memory Link

Anchor A10 — 'A Bad Cold Has Lanugo Everywhere' ABCHL-E acronym.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), Cluster C. NOT OCD — OCPD is ego-syntonic (client likes the traits), OCD is ego-dystonic (intrusive and unwanted).

Clue

I am a client who is preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. I like my rules — they feel RIGHT to me. I do NOT have intrusive, unwanted thoughts. Which personality disorder do I have, and which cluster?

Memory Link

Anchor A19 — 'Perfectionist manager who WANTS control' vs. 'OCD person tormented by unwanted urge' analogy.

During meal: prevent hiding or discarding food, ensure adequate intake. After meal (~1 hour): prevent purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative misuse). The 60-minute window covers the highest-risk period for purging.

Somatic Symptom Disorder: physical symptoms + excessive health preoccupation
Illness Anxiety Disorder: fear of serious illness, minimal/no symptoms (formerly hypochondriasis)
Conversion Disorder: neurologic symptoms + la belle indifférence
Factitious Disorder: deliberate falsification for sick role (no external gain)
Malingering: faking for external gain (not a true mental disorder)

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NLE Psychiatric Disorders — Personality, Somatic, and Eating DisordersMemory Anchors

Exam context

Personality, Somatic, and Eating Disorders - Memory Anchors

Anchors

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