Showing papers in "Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services in 2013"
TL;DR: Examining sexting behaviors among youth is examined by exploring factors specific to today's adolescent population that may influence the prevalence and outcomes ofsexting behavior, and implications for nursing practice are discussed.
Abstract: Youth engaging in sexting (texting plus sex) includes behaviors such as sending, receiving, or forwarding of nude or partially nude images via cell phones. The true prevalence of tweens and teens engaging in sexting is unclear. This might be because of the general secrecy of the behavior, the rapid advances in technology, and the lack of a clear definition that accounts for the added developmental factors (e.g., peak sexual development, impulsivity). Additionally, there is a lack of recognition of the consequences and increased risks of sexting (e.g., shame and guilt, earlier sexual behavior, bullying, incarceration, substance abuse, depression, suicide) for youth as a vulnerable population. The purpose of this article is to examine sexting behaviors among youth by exploring factors specific to today's adolescent population that may influence the prevalence and outcomes of sexting behavior. Implications for nursing practice, including the assessment, intervention, and evaluation that is needed to treat adolescents affected by sexting, are discussed.
69 citations
TL;DR: Although the effectiveness of alternative routes of ketamine administration needs to be determined, intravenous ketamine could be conceptualized as a clinic-based procedural therapy for treatment resistant forms of depression.
Abstract: Ketamine (Ketalar®) is an anesthetic agent derived from the hallucinogenic drug phencyclidine (PCP). It is a high-affinity antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and also binds to opioid mu and sigma receptors. Ketamine is being intensively investigated as an antidepressant therapy. To date, five short-term controlled studies and other open-label studies in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression have demonstrated that intravenous ketamine is safe and has a rapid and profound short-term effect on depressive symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, even among patients considered treatment-resistant to standard medications or electroconvulsive therapy. Before ketamine can be incorporated into clinical practice, however, its long-term safety and effectiveness need to be evaluated. Although the effectiveness of alternative routes of ketamine administration (i.e., oral, intranasal, or intramuscular) needs to be determined, intravenous ketamine could be conceptualized as a clinic-based procedural therapy for treatment resistant forms of depression.
48 citations
TL;DR: The overall view of the training by those who went on to work as PSWs was that it was a valuable, challenging, yet positive experience that provided them with a good preparation for the role.
Abstract: This article describes the preparation, selection, training, and support of a group of people with lived experience of mental distress/illness and mental health service use to work as peer support workers (PSWs). The PSWs were recruited to provide support alongside conventional aftercare to service users discharged from acute psychiatric units in London, England. Training was delivered over 12 weekly, 1-day sessions from April to July 2010. Supervision and support were provided by a peer support coordinator and a training facilitator. The overall view of the training by those who went on to work as PSWs was that it was a valuable, challenging, yet positive experience that provided them with a good preparation for the role. A key area for improvement concerned the strength of emotional involvement and feelings PSWs had for their peers, especially in regard to ending the support relationship. Skilled, sensitive supervision and support is essential for the success of such roles.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe implementation results of an Addiction Training for Nurses program of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) embedded within an undergraduate nursing curriculum.
Abstract: Preparing nursing students to apply an evidence-based screening and brief intervention approach with patients has the potential to reduce patients' risky alcohol and drug use. Responding to Mollica, Hyman, and Mann's article published in 2011, the current article describes implementation results of an Addiction Training for Nurses program of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) embedded within an undergraduate nursing curriculum. Results reveal that students in other schools of nursing would benefit from similar, significant training on substance use disorders and SBIRT. Training satisfaction surveys (N = 488) indicate students were satisfied with the quality of the training experience. More than 90% of students strongly agreed or agreed that the training was relevant to their nursing careers and would help their patients. Additional clinical practice and skill development may increase students' reported effectiveness in working with the topic area of substance use and SBIRT.
38 citations
TL;DR: Two specific changes related to a new category of Neurocognitive Disorders and a new interpretation of criteria for depression after bereavement in the fifth edition of the DSM-5 are discussed in this article.
Abstract: The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is targeted for publication in May 2013. Older adults and their families should be aware of the potential impact that changes in this important document may have on diagnosis and treatment of mental health concerns. Two specific changes related to a new category of Neurocognitive Disorders and a new interpretation of criteria for depression after bereavement are discussed in this article. Nurses can help older adults and their families understand the new DSM-5 terminology and encourage them to discuss risks, benefits, and likely outcomes of diagnoses, procedures, and treatments that may seem unfamiliar.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a descriptive replication study was conducted to investigate nurses' attitudes toward suicide in hospitalized medical-surgical patients to gain a better understanding of factors influencing the identification and management of suicide risk and ultimately improve patient safety.
Abstract: Internationally, suicide represents a major health issue. Inpatient suicide is the second most common sentinel event reported to The Joint Commission, which has identified suicide prevention as a National Patient Safety Goal. Suicide prevention is influenced by nurses' ability to accurately assess a patient's suicide risk. Evidence suggests that lack of knowledge and unfavorable attitudes toward suicide negatively impact health care delivery and patient safety. The purpose of this descriptive replication study was to investigate nurses' attitudes toward suicide in hospitalized medical-surgical patients to gain a better understanding of factors influencing the identification and management of suicide risk and ultimately improve patient safety. Using a convenience sample of 45 nurses, this study found that nurses' age and educational level correlated with positive attitudes toward suicide (p = 0.03) and that religion was also a significant predictor of positive attitudes toward suicide. Implications of this study are the need for further education on suicide prevention, including opportunities for nurses to explore the impact of their attitudes on accurate suicide risk assessment. Language: en
32 citations
TL;DR: Mifepristone, as a potent antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors, has been studied or is currently being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for psychotic depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol and cocaine dependence, as well as for mitigating the weight gain associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs and for improving cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Abstract: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the body's main stress-response system, and cortisol is the major adrenal glucocorticoid hormone secreted in human beings. HPA axis activity and cortisol secretion is regulated by a negative feedback system involving glucocorticoid receptors. Dysregulation of the HPA axis and increased cortisol levels have been implicated in mood, psychotic, and other psychiatric disorders. Mifepristone, as a potent antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors, has been studied or is currently being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for psychotic depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol and cocaine dependence, as well as for mitigating the weight gain associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs and for improving cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This article will review some of the work in these areas.
32 citations
TL;DR: There appears to be an increasing problem with the predicted cohort of returning veterans appearing both in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system as well as in civilian locations, hospitals, community centers, and especially the workplace.
Abstract: This article examines an age-old problem-sexual assault-through the lens of its occurrence within the military culture. Specific cases as well as U.S. Department of Defense responses to better handle these issues are offered to educate psychiatric-mental health nurses of the potential differences in symptomatology and presentation of military sexual trauma (MST). This appears to be an increasing problem with the predicted cohort of returning veterans appearing both in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system as well as in civilian locations, hospitals, community centers, and especially the workplace. It will be critical to develop training materials and pursue further research to identify this silent syndrome of MST to better meet the needs of our returning veterans.
28 citations
TL;DR: As people age with HIV, there is growing concern that they will be at increased risk of developing cognitive problems that may have an impact on their everyday functioning and quality of life.
Abstract: In addition to the immune system, HIV also affects the nervous system. Even with highly active antiretroviral therapy helping reduce the impact of HIV on the body and brain, approximately 50% of individuals with HIV experience cognitive problems. As people age with HIV, there is growing concern that they will be at increased risk of developing cognitive problems that may have an impact on their everyday functioning (e.g., medication adherence) and quality of life. Unfortunately, HIV-related stigma, social withdrawal, and depression, which are common to the HIV experience, can also have direct and indirect negative consequences on cognition. Research and practice implications concerning these relationships are posited.
26 citations
TL;DR: Issues including diagnostic overshadowing, lack of knowledge about aging in adults with IDD, and health care disparities are discussed in this article along with recommendations for clinicians to help them meet this growing challenge.
Abstract: The number of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has increased rapidly in the United States as part of the general "graying"of the country. This has presented challenges in maintaining the quality of life and health for these individuals in later years. Issues including diagnostic overshadowing (the tendency to overlook symptoms of mental or physical illness as causes for decline), lack of knowledge about aging in adults with IDD, and health care disparities are discussed in this article along with recommendations for clinicians to help them meet this growing challenge.
24 citations
TL;DR: Improved education for nurses is needed to help manage psychiatric patients, for it is the goal of the mental health profession to understand the reasons these seclusion episodes occur and to directly take the steps to eliminate the need for the seclusion process entirely.
Abstract: Seclusion for escalating behavior in psychiatric patients has been a controversial intervention over the past 3 decades. The current study investigated the experience of seclusion from the perspective of inpatient psychiatric patients in the mid-western United States. Twelve patients were interviewed about their experiences; the interviews were transcribed into a written text. A phenomenological method was used to analyze the text, and themes were generated. Three themes emerged: (a) Patient Hope for Respect and Open Communication described patients' desires for discussion about their individual problems before their behavior escalated; (b) Patient Emotional Response to the Seclusion Process described accelerating emotions such as anxiety and anger. Patients perceived disrespect from staff prior to and during seclusion; and (c) Patient Insight into Behavior and the Importance of Positive Coping Skills described the importance of debriefing with staff and learning positive coping skills. Further improved education for nurses is needed to help manage psychiatric patients, for it is the goal of the mental health profession to understand the reasons these seclusion episodes occur and to directly take the steps to eliminate the need for the seclusion process entirely.
TL;DR: Education, monitoring, and non-profiling should continue as body art is only "skin deep" as individuals with body art described higher risk behaviors and emotional distress.
Abstract: Body art is mainstream, with wearers readily admitting to being risk takers. Yet, are high-risk behaviors (e.g., cigarette, alcohol, and illegal drug use, sexual activity) and emotional distress (e.g., depression, suicide, eating disorders, abuse/forced sexual activity) present in all individuals with body art? Of the 595 college students who were queried, 127 (21%) had tattoos and 195 (33%) had lifetime piercings, with 17 (3%) having intimate (nipple, genital, or both) piercings; they also reported their self-views regarding religion, self-esteem, and Need for Uniqueness. Three consistent self-identity outcomes for their body art were: it helped me (a) express myself, (b) feel unique, and (c) be myself. When quantifying their body art amounts, well-being similar to that of individuals with no body art was present in those with one tattoo and less than four piercings. Individuals with four or more tattoos, seven or more piercings, and/or intimate piercings described higher risk behaviors and emotional distress. Education, monitoring, and non-profiling should continue as body art is only "skin deep."
TL;DR: Mental health nurses are in a key position to support improved adherence inpatients with schizophrenia through use of practical educational strategies that help patients, family members, and health care providers better understand and manage treatment.
Abstract: Medication nonadherence has been associated with persistence of psychotic symptoms, relapse, and hospitalization in patients with schizophrenia. Patients with untreated psychosis are significantly less likely to achieve remission, whereas antipsychotic drug adherence has been associated with recovery. As such, adherence to antipsychotic drug treatment is a key issue for nurses and treatment team members caring for patients who typically are on chronic, progressive disease course. Long-acting injectable (LAI) anti-psychotic drugs, developed to improve adherence and provide and alternative antipsychotic drug treatment fro schizophrenia, have been associated with improved treatment outcomes including reduction of relapse rates approximately 30% and reduction in hospitalizations. However, LAI antipsychotic drugs remain underutilized in the United States despite a growing body of literature supporting positive outcomes of LAI versus oral antipsychotic drugs. Mental health nurses are in a key position to support improved adherence inpatients with schizophrenia through use of practical educational strategies that help patients, family members, and health care providers better understand and manage treatment.
TL;DR: Psychiatric nurses with more years of nursing experience and self-reported need for further BPD continuing education had more positive attitudes toward hospitalized BPD patients with deliberate self-harm issues, findings that nurse educators need to consider when planning curricula.
Abstract: The aim of this descriptive study was to explore the attitudes of psychiatric nurses toward patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experiencing deliberate self-harm. A convenience sample of psychiatric nurses (N = 83) working on the adult behavioral health units of three psychiatric hospitals in Pennsylvania were surveyed about their attitudes toward BPD inpatients experiencing deliberate self-harm using the Adapted Attitudes towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire. Psychiatric nurses had positive attitudes toward hospitalized BPD patients with deliberate self-harm issues. Psychiatric nurses with more years of nursing experience and self-reported need for further BPD continuing education had more positive attitudes toward hospitalized BPD patients with deliberate self-harm issues, findings that nurse educators need to consider when planning curricula. Future studies need to examine the longitudinal effect of continuing education on nurses' attitudes and outcomes for BPD patients with deliberate self-harm issues.
TL;DR: Moderate evidence exists for quetiapine as a pharmacological intervention for insomnia, dementia, and specific personality disorders and more data are needed to establish specific dosing regimens for off-label uses and to examine the dose relationship to metabolic side effects and extrapyramidal side effects.
Abstract: Quetiapine (Seroquel(®)) is a potent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antipsychotic agent that has been used extensively for off-label indications. The current study was performed to ascertain the efficacy of some of the most prevalent off-label uses of this agent. An extensive search of electronic databases was completed using the search terms quetiapine or Seroquel, off-label and anxiety, substance abuse, dementia, delirium, personality disorder, insomnia, and sleep. Data were predictably mixed according to the indication being examined. The strongest evidence exists for anxiety and delirium. Moderate evidence exists for quetiapine as a pharmacological intervention for insomnia, dementia, and specific personality disorders. Evidence for quetiapine as a treatment for substance abuse is limited. More data are needed to establish specific dosing regimens for off-label uses and to examine the dose relationship to metabolic side effects and extrapyramidal side effects to determine whether various off-label uses justify the risk incurred with using this powerful drug.
TL;DR: It is revealed that patient past experience with depression and antidepressant agents, vicarious experiences, beliefs and attitudes, and the treatment experience itself can impact adherence, and it is important for providers to be vigilant with assessment and include patient experience when developing a plan of care.
Abstract: Major depression can be a very challenging illness and although antidepressant agents are shown to provide benefit, many patients do not adhere to antidepressant treatment guidelines. Multiple factors contribute to adherence, including the influence of patient experience. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review on the influence of patient experience with depression and antidepressant agents on treatment adherence. Thirteen research articles were selected for the review and revealed that patient past experience with depression and antidepressant agents, vicarious experiences, beliefs and attitudes, and the treatment experience itself can impact adherence. It is important for providers to be vigilant with assessment and include patient experience when developing a plan of care. This approach encourages shared decision making and a patient-centered focus for improved management of depression.
TL;DR: An educational program for staff in an acute, involuntary inpatient setting has led to positive change by challenging the widely held belief that getting hurt is an expected part of the job in acute psychiatric care settings.
Abstract: An educational program for staff in an acute, involuntary inpatient setting has led to positive change by challenging the widely held belief that getting hurt is an expected part of the job in acute psychiatric care settings. The Staying Safe program encouraged staff to think differently about their roles and to explore alternative responses to patient behaviors. Cultural change takes time: Staff have requested that the program be repeated multiple times over the past 5 years, and key concepts have been incorporated into employee orientation and refresher programs. During that same time, staff have learned to call for help more often and to have a plan for such help before physically intervening with patients. The strategies described in this program have resulted in decreased number of assaults on staff, injuries from assaults, and lost work time from those injuries. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.]. Language: en
TL;DR: Greater service user involvement in the process would help address the dissatisfaction and disempowerment in care planning experienced by individuals diagnosed with BPD.
Abstract: A newly developed specialist personality disorder service in the United Kingdom arranged a focus group with seven service users with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) to explore their experiences of the Care Programme Approach (CPA) while under the care of a community mental health team. A thematic analysis generated seven themes. Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder and Understanding Recovery were highlighted as difficulties service users face, with a lack of staff understanding. They also spoke about the struggle of having a voice in their CPA meetings and the lack of information they received in the CPA process. They discussed the deliberation between progression versus consistency and moving on from services. Service users discussed the challenges of accessing treatment and lack of follow up in the CPA process. Greater service user involvement in the process would help address the dissatisfaction and disempowerment in care planning experienced by individuals diagnosed with BPD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51(10), 38-45.].
TL;DR: Psychiatric nurses can intervene by recognizing the high rate of postpartum depression among teen girls, screening, and referring to treatment when necessary.
Abstract: Adolescent motherhood is a common and costly phenomenon, with almost a half million American girls becoming mothers every year in the United States. Postpartum depression is also common, with an estimated 53% to 61% of teen mothers affected. Psychiatric nurses can intervene by recognizing the high rate of postpartum depression among teen girls, screening, and referring to treatment when necessary.
TL;DR: The purpose of this brief review is to summarize the existing (albeit limited) research on pregaming among high school students and incoming college freshmen, to present an overview of the risk factors that have been identified for participation in pregaming, and to discuss the implications for practice that may be particularly relevant for school-employed/affiliated nurses as well as health practitioners who work in college settings.
Abstract: Pregaming (a.k.a., "prepartying," "pre-funking," or "predrinking") consists of drinking before going to a social function or gathering where alcohol may or may not be served. Existing research suggests that pregaming in high school and pre-college (i.e., the period between high school graduation and the start of college) is widespread. Moreover, pregaming prevalence appears to rapidly increase after students graduate from high school and transition into college. Thus, the purpose of this brief review is threefold: (a) to summarize the existing (albeit limited) research on pregaming among high school students and incoming college freshmen, (b) to present an overview of the risk factors that have been identified for participation in pregaming, and (c) to discuss the implications for practice that may be particularly relevant for school-employed/affiliated nurses as well as health practitioners who work in college settings.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used focus groups involving 14 siblings to explore their views on the optimal content and design of such a resource using online delivery, and found that siblings suggested a number of content items for information giving, some similar to those identified from the wider literature on conventional psycho-educational intervention, whereas others are unique to siblings' needs.
Abstract: Despite the strong evidence base for psychoeducation for families and caregivers, specific interventions targeting siblings of individuals affected by psychosis are lacking. A small but coherent body of research has identified that siblings often play an active role in their brother's or sister's care and recovery from psychosis, and siblings need robust and flexible psychoeducational resources. This study used focus groups involving 14 siblings to explore their views on the optimal content and design of such a resource using online delivery. Siblings suggested a number of content items for information giving, some similar to those identified from the wider literature on conventional psychoeducational intervention, whereas others are unique to siblings' needs. Focus group participants also highly valued an interactive peer discussion and support forum despite some concerns over its security and moderation. Considerations over delivery and logistics issues integral to the resource were highlighted as crucial in facilitating access and usage by siblings. When caring for people with psychosis, nurses should assess if the service users have siblings involved in their care and recovery plans and signpost siblings for resources and support.
TL;DR: Direct care staff in mental health group homes were surveyed to determine barriers and resource needs related to conducting physical activity interventions with individuals and the most significant barriers were individuals did not want to engage in physical activity and staff needed more information about how to conductPhysical activity interventions.
Abstract: Sedentary lifestyle is a modifiable risk factor that contributes to health disparities in individuals with serious mental illness. Direct care staff in mental health group homes were surveyed to determine barriers and resource needs related to conducting physical activity interventions with individuals. An investigator-designed survey was used. The most significant barriers cited by staff were individuals did not want to engage in physical activity and staff needed more information about how to conduct physical activity interventions. Resource needs cited by staff included engagement strategies to gain and maintain individual interest as well as resource acquisition. Direct care staff are well positioned to deliver physical activity interventions but need support and direction to engage individuals in safe and effective exercise. Mental health nurses are well placed to provide support and direction to staff for these interventions.
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to describe the signs, changes over the years, consequences, and educational resources available for addressing this behavior in children and adolescents.
Abstract: Nurses working with children and adolescents should be cognizant of choking games, risky acts in which pressure is applied to the neck and the airway is obstructed to achieve a high Evidence supports that many children and adolescents do not understand the grave consequences of choking games nor do they view participation as dangerous Parents, teachers, pediatricians, nurses, and psychiatric-mental health professionals are not always aware that children and adolescents are engaging in choking games The purpose of this article is to describe the signs, changes over the years, consequences, and educational resources available for addressing this behavior in children and adolescents Understanding the nomenclature of choking games, how to assess, and how to intervene when participation in this behavior is suspected are also addressed
TL;DR: Analysis of an embroidery document that hangs in the Glore Psychiatric Museum, a testament to the daily experience of a woman who rarely spoke and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, found that although the patient was silent, she was connected in interesting ways to the environment around her.
Abstract: A poster-sized piece of embroidery, completed in the 1960s, hangs in the Glore Psychiatric Museum, a testament to the daily experience of a woman who rarely spoke and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The embroidery document was analyzed by three researchers who came to agreement on themes via triangulation and constant comparison. The woman's lived experience was considered. The analysis found that although the patient was silent, she was connected in interesting ways to the environment around her. Implications for nursing care include awareness of the importance of milieu to patients, that silence should not be inferred to be detachment, and nurses should continue to develop creative ways to engage patients who may communicate in nontraditional ways.
TL;DR: This article describes the design, development, and implementation of an innovative teaching/learning model involving integration of classroom teaching, clinical simulation, and debriefing/critical thinking to prepare accelerated baccalaureate nursing students for clinical practice experiences in the inpatient psychiatric setting.
Abstract: This article describes the design, development, and implementation of an innovative teaching/learning model involving integration of classroom teaching, clinical simulation, and debriefing/critical thinking to prepare accelerated baccalaureate nursing students for clinical practice experiences in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Lessons learned and future directions for simulation experiences involving standardized patient scenarios in undergraduate psychiatric nursing education are shared.
TL;DR: The effects of an intervention in which psychiatric clients from acute and tertiary sites were provided with predischarge assistance in securing housing show that homelessness can be reduced by connecting housing support, income support, and psychiatric care.
Abstract: After spending time in the hospital, psychiatric clients are often discharged to homeless shelters or the streets, which can place a burden on health care systems. This study examined the effects of an intervention in which psychiatric clients from acute (n = 219) and tertiary (n = 32) sites were provided with predischarge assistance in securing housing. A program evaluation design was used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative data were available through interviews, focus groups, and monthly meetings. The results highlight several benefits of the intervention and show that homelessness can be reduced by connecting housing support, income support, and psychiatric care.
TL;DR: A case study is presented in which an evidence-based intervention was used to help a bullied child arrive at a solution, and the use of the Omaha System is demonstrated to document evidence- based cyberbullying interventions with individuals and communities.
Abstract: Cyberbullying is a global phenomenon. The experiences of bullied children are the same across cultures and languages, and psychiatric nursing interventions are known to be effective. It is critical to widely disseminate effective interventions to identify and address cyberbullying. Therefore, evidence-based care plans addressing cyberbullying at the individual and community levels were developed using the Omaha System, a terminology that is used internationally to guide and document care. This article presents a case study in which an evidence-based intervention was used to help a bullied child arrive at a solution, and demonstrates the use of the Omaha System to document evidence-based cyberbullying interventions with individuals and communities.
TL;DR: This 1-year study of seclusion and restraint in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital revealed a marked difference in reasons and duration for adults, children, and adolescents.
Abstract: This 1-year study of seclusion and restraint in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital revealed a marked difference in reasons and duration for adults, children, and adolescents. Children and adolescents are most often secluded and restrained in response to identifiable patterns of dangerous behavior, and episodes of seclusion and restraint involving children and adolescents are considerably shorter than episodes involving adults. This information is being used to find ways to improve the care and treatment of all patients, especially for children.
TL;DR: The long-awaited fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is about to be published and changes in the criteria for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are described.
Abstract: The long-awaited fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is about to be published. The changes in the criteria for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are of particular interest to psychiatric nurses. This article describes the changes and the new criteria. Implications for patients and nurses, both positive and negative, are also discussed.
TL;DR: An overview of what to expect in the DSM-5 is provided and a list of the proposed diagnostic categories is included, highlighting major aspects of the revision.
Abstract: Scheduled for publication in May 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), will guide clinical diagnoses, treatment plans, medication choices and protocols, insurance reimbursements, and research agendas throughout the United States. It will also serve as a reference manual for clinicians around the world. This primary diagnostic source used by psychiatric and mental health providers is undergoing significant change in organization and content relative to the previous edition. This article provides a general overview of what to expect in the DSM-5, highlighting major aspects of the revision. Included is a list of the proposed diagnostic categories and an overview of some of the debate and discussion accompanying the changes. Implications for psychiatric nurses and psychiatric nursing are presented.