Continuation of Depression disorders Mild depression Symptoms of mild depression are identified by clinicians as those associated with normal grieving. Affective: Anger, anxiety Behavioral: Tearful, regression  Cognitive: Preoccupied with loss Physiological: anorexia, insomnia Moderate depression  Symptoms associated with dysthymic disorder Affective: Helpless, powerless Behavioral: Slowed physical movements, slumped posture, limited verbalization Cognitive: Retarded thinking processes,…

Application of Nursing Process Panic disorder: Assessment Characterized by recurrent panic attacks, the onset of which are unpredictable and manifested by intense apprehension, fear, or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom and accompanied by intense physical discomfort Attacks may last minutes or rarely hours and individual often experience varying degrees of nervousness and…

Depressive Disorders Depression is the oldest and one of the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric illnesses. Transient symptoms are normal, healthy responses to everyday disappointments in life. Pathological depression occurs when adaptation is ineffective. Depression is an alteration in mood/affect that is expressed by feelings of sadness, despair, and pessimism.   Epidemiology  6.7% of persons aged…

Depressive Disorders Depression is the oldest and one of the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric illnesses. Transient symptoms are normal, healthy responses to everyday disappointments in life. Pathological depression occurs when adaptation is ineffective. Depression is an alteration in mood/affect that is expressed by feelings of sadness, despair, and pessimism.   Epidemiology  6.7% of persons aged…

Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders Anxiety is an emotional response to anticipation of danger, the source of which is largely unknown or unrecognized. Anxiety is a necessary force for survival. It is not the same as stress. A stressor is an external pressure that is brought to bear on the individual. Anxiety is the subjective…

Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders Anxiety is an emotional response to anticipation of danger, the source of which is largely unknown or unrecognized. Anxiety is a necessary force for survival. It is not the same as stress. A stressor is an external pressure that is brought to bear on the individual. Anxiety is the subjective…

Sedative-Hypnotics Indications Short-term management of various anxiety states and treatment of insomnia; selected agents are used as anticonvulsants, as preoperative sedatives, and to reduce anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal.   Action: Depression of the C N S Exception: Ramelteon’s sleep-promoting properties are the result of agonist activity on selective melatonin receptors.   Contraindications Contraindicated in…

Psychopharmacology Historical Perspectives Before 1950, sedatives and amphetamines were the only significant psychotropic drugs available. Since the 1950’s, psychopharmacology has expanded to include antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antianxiety drugs. Psychotropic drugs are intended to be used as an adjunct to individual or group psychotherapy. Function and Activities of the Brain Maintenance of homeostasis Regulation of autonomic…

Mental Health and Mental illness Mental health is defined as “Successful adaptation to stressors from the internal or external environment, evidenced by thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are age-appropriate and congruent with local and cultural norms.” Mental illness is defined as “maladaptive responses to stressors from the internal or external environment, evidenced by thoughts, feelings,…