Mental Health Chapt 6&7

What does CAM stand for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What is allopathic medicine?

Conventional Western medicine using drugs, surgery, and radiation to treat disease.

What is alternative medicine

: A therapy used instead of standard allopathic medical treatments.

What is integrative medicine

Combines both allopathic and CAM treatments for comprehensive care

What is holistic care?

Care that focuses on treating the mind, body, and spirit together.

What are examples of body-based CAM therapies

Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine

What are examples of biologically based practices in CAM?

Aromatherapy, dietary supplements, herbal products.

What are examples of body-based practices in CAM?

Chiropractic treatment, chelation, eye movement desensitization, massage, phototherapy.

What are examples of energy-based CAM therapies

Mind-body medicine, expressive therapy, hypnotherapy, meditation, prayer, spiritual healing, energy medicine, biofield therapies, electromagnetic field therapies.

What CAM therapies are used for mental health?

Animal-assisted therapy, culturally based healing, diet and nutrition, expressive therapies, pastoral counseling, self-help groups, stress reduction, relaxation.

What cautions should be considered with CAM?

Some CAM therapies lack scientific proof, may have adverse effects, and interactions are not always known.

What are psychotherapeutic drugs

Powerful chemicals that produce profound effects on the mind, emotions, and body by altering chemical balances in the nervous system.

How do psychotherapeutic drugs work

They alter neurotransmitters and suppress nerve pathways in the frontal lobe and limbic system to create stable moods.

What is the central nervous system (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord; controls all motor and sensory functions.

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves; divided into motor system and autonomic system.

What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Regulates vital functions; includes sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

Prepares the body for immediate action (fight or flight).

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

: Conserves energy and promotes rest.

What are the traditional classes of psychotherapeutic drugs?

Antianxiety agents, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics.

What are the newer classes of psychotherapeutic drugs?

Stimulants, antiobsessive agents.

What are antianxiety agents

Drugs that reduce the psychic tension of stress.

How do benzodiazepines work

They increase GABA activity, reduce anxiety, induce sleep, prevent seizures, provide sedation; metabolized by liver, excreted by kidneys.

What are side effects of benzodiazepines

Fatigue, sedation, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension.

Why are benzodiazepines typically short-term use?

They have a risk of dependence

What is BuSpar (buspirone)

A non-benzodiazepine antianxiety med that doesn’t cause sedation or muscle relaxation; takes 3-6 weeks for effect.

What are BuSpar side effects

Light-headedness, dizziness, headache, nausea.

What is Pregabalin (Lyrica) sometimes used for

Anxiety

What interactions can antianxiety meds have?

: CNS depressants, digoxin (↑ concentration), antacids (↓ absorption).

What nursing care is important with antianxiety meds?

Monitor for adverse effects and continued need for medication.

How do antidepressants work?

They increase certain neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

What are the categories of antidepressants?

Tricyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants.

What conditions can antidepressants treat besides depression?

Bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, bulimia, neuropathic pain, ADHD, conduct disorder, enuresis.

How long do antidepressants take to work

1-4 weeks

What are important considerations for MAOIs

Many interactions with foods and drugs that can cause hypertensive crisis.

What are common side effects of antidepressants?

Can include cardiovascular issues, BP changes, CNS depression, suicidal ideation.

What is lithium?

A naturally occurring salt used as a mood stabilizer; requires monitoring due to narrow therapeutic range.

What must clients on lithium monitor

Salt intake, fluid intake, and output.

What other drugs can stabilize mood?

Anticonvulsants and antipsychotics (sometimes combined with lithium).

How do antipsychotics work?

They alter dopamine levels in the brain

What symptoms do antipsychotics target

Positive symptoms (e.g. hallucinations)

What other uses do antipsychotics have?

Resistant bipolar, paranoid disorders, movement disorders, severe nausea, vomiting, intractable hiccups.

What are common side effects of antipsychotics

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs), tardive dyskinesia (TD), dry mouth, blurred vision, photophobia, tachycardia, hypotension.

What can treat EPSEs

Anticholinergics, antihistamines, dopamine agonists, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines.

What interactions do antipsychotics have

Alcohol, antacids, antianxiety meds, antihistamines, antidepressants, barbiturates, Demerol, morphine.

What are stimulants used fo

ADHD; but they can be misused or addictive.

What is the nurse’s role with psychotherapeutic drugs?

Assess, coordinate care, administer, monitor responses, educate clients, monitor compliance, ensure informed consent.

What special considerations are important in psychotherapeutic drug therapy

Watch for adverse reactions and noncompliance; obtain informed consent.