Mental Health Nursing: Medications and Other Therapies

Vocabulary terms and therapeutic concepts related to psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention from Chapter 8 of Gorman and Anwar's Mental Health Nursing.

Cognition

The ability to think and process thoughts.

Phenothiazines

The first classification of medications used for treating mental health issues, introduced in the 1950s.

Antipsychotics

Also known as neuroleptics; a major drug classification used in treating mental health issues.

Anxiolytics

Another term for antianxiety agents used for symptom control in mental health.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor; a classification of antidepressants.

SNRI

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors; a classification of antidepressants.

Anticholinergics

Antiparkinson agents used as a major drug classification in mental health treatment.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)

A side effect of antipsychotics appearing 1–8 weeks post-medication, including akinesia, shuffling gait, drooling, muscle rigidity, and tremors.

Tardive Dyskinesia

An antipsychotic side effect appearing 1–8 weeks after starting medication, characterized by constant frowning, blinking, and involuntary movements like chewing or licking.

Psychoanalysis

A result of Freud’s theory that works in the "past" or unconscious using methods like free association, dream analysis, and catharsis.

Behavior Modification

A therapy resulting from the work of Skinner and Pavlov that uses positive reinforcement to eliminate or reduce unwanted behaviors.

Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

A cognitive therapy resulting from the work of Albert Ellis and other cognitive/behavioral theorists.

Unconditional Positive Regard

A concept in person-centered/humanistic therapy associated with Carl Rogers and Maslow that works in the "present."

Milieu

A safe therapeutic environment that combines social and therapeutic elements to afford a feeling of acceptance and affect behavior.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment for depression or schizophrenia not responding to other therapies, requiring the patient to be NPO 4 hours before treatment and have an empty bladder.

Humor Therapy

Directed therapy involving smiles, hugs, and humor, which has documented breakthroughs in treating Alzheimer’s.

Crisis

A sudden, unexpected event that changes normal routines and creates an imbalance in a person’s homeostasis.

Crisis Phases

The sequence of initial exposure and response categorized as: Pre-crisis, Crisis, Adaptive, and Post-crisis.

Goals of Crisis Intervention

Establishing safety, diffusing the situation, determining the problem, and returning the patient to a pre-crisis or better level of functioning.