| Summary, etc. |
[Article Title: Pharmacogenomics and Psychiatric Clinical Care / Russell J. Amato, Joseph Boland, Nicole Myer, Lauren Few and Daniel Dowd, p. 22-31] Abstract: Approximately one in five individuals in the United States experiences mental health issues in any given year, and these disorders are consistently among the leading causes of years lived with disability. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses are lifelong conditions that require medication and therapy to improve quality of life, yet clinical trial data show that many patients fail to achieve remission or require several pharmacological interventions prior to remission. These results indicate a need to address the variability among patients in their response to medication, in addition to developing treatment plans tailored to the individual. One approach that may help explain patient variability in response to medication is pharmacogenetic testing. The current review shows the clinical use of pharmacogenetic testing in a small subset of gene variants and how they pertain to psychiatric illness and treatment. Recent evidence suggests that genetic testing for psychiatric illness can improve patient outcomes in addition to decreasing health care costs. ;[Article Title: End-of-Life Conversations as a Legacy / Jeanne M. Sorrell, p. 32-35] Abstract: Advance directives such as living wills and health care powers of attorney are important documents that offer patients ways to avoid unwanted care when they are unable to express their wishes. Although health care professionals have increased focus on advance care planning in recent years, approximately two thirds of American adults do not have advance medical directives. In addition, 90% of individuals believe that talking to loved ones about end-of-life wishes is important, but only 27% have done so. It is important for nurses to understand the complex factors that influence how individuals make health care decisions and identify ways to encourage conversations with family, friends, and health care providers to help clarify patients' wishes for end of-life care.;[Article Title: Very Late-Onset Schizophrenia-Like Psychosis: A Clinical Update / Elizabeth Cort, Jennifer Meehan, Suzanne Reeve, and Robert Howard, p. 37-47] Abstract: Psychosis symptoms (delusions and hallucinations) are multifactorial in origin and, in later life, occur in the context of schizophrenia, delirium, dementia, delusional and schizophrenia-like disorders, mood disorders, and alcohol or substance abuse. The current article provides a clinical overview of very late-onset (after age 60) schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP), summarizing the literature on treatment options and reflecting on the role of psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs). Increased awareness of the clinical presentation, key features, and evidence-based treatment options will assist PMHNs to confidently recognize this often under-diagnosed disorder and adopt a more assertive role in terms of engagement and follow up. Pragmatic research involving individuals with VLOSLP is required to increase the evidence base for treatment and improve outcomes of care. ;[Article Title: Qualitative Study of Depression Literacy Among Korean American Parents of Adolescents / Yoo Mi Jeong, Linda L. McCreary and Tonda L. Hughes, p. 48-56] Abstract: Lack of depression literacy is associated with low help-seeking behaviors for mental health care in adolescents. As parents generally determine adolescents' health care, ensuring parents can recognize depressive symptoms is crucial. The current study explored depression literacy among Korean American parents of adolescents ages 12 to 19 using a qualitative descriptive design. Semantic content analysis was performed using data from three focus group interviews conducted in 2015 with Korean American parents (10 mothers, four fathers) of adolescents. Participants lacked knowledge about the biological causes and medicinal treatment of depression. Most believed that depression cannot be fully treated, relapses occur easily, and medication is taken indefinitely. Gender influenced perceptions of symptoms. Parents often overlooked children's depressive symptoms until schools alerted them. Nursing interventions should educate parents about the biological causes of depression, strategies for addressing adolescents' symptoms, community-based professional resources, and success stories about depression treatment.;[Article Title: Impulsivity and Sensation-Seeking Personality Traits as Predictors of Substance Use Among University Students / Ayman M. Hamdan-Mansour, Khadejah F. Mahmoud, Ahmad N. Al Shibi, and Diana H. Arabiat, p. 57-63] Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between substance use and impulsivity and sensation-seeking personality traits among 655 university students using a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design. A significant correlation was found between students' impulsivity level scores and frequency of substance use (r = 0.11, p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between frequency of substance use and sensation-seeking levels (r = 0.2, p < 0.05), as well as impulsivity levels (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the two predictors model was able to account for 12.4% of variation in substance use. Impulsivity and sensation-seeking personality traits are significant predictors of substance use among university students. |
