Psychiatric Skills for Non-Psych Nurses

PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION

All psychiatric illnesses should receive careful assessment for psychopharmacological intervention.
A clear diagnosis is the best basis for effective psychopharmacological intervention. When diagnosis is still in question, parameters should be established to clarify the diagnosis.
Awareness of co-existing medical problems, current use of medication and potential for drug interactions is essential for optimal outcomes.
The caregivers involved in treatment must be knowledgeable about drug side effects, provide adequate patient education about side effects and co-monitor with the patient all responses to medications.
In the majority of situations use of only one agent from a given class of psychiatric medications is best.
Patients must be adequately screened for drug and alcohol abuse or dependency prior to beginning treatment with psychopharmacological agents. When appropriate, detox should be completed and the patient reassessed for psychiatric disorder rather than superimposed psychopharmacological intervention during on-going alcohol or other drug abuse.