| Summary, etc. |
[Article Title: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents / Valerie Tobin, p. 15-18] Abstract: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be a disabling condition for children, adolescents, and their families. The majority of children and adolescents with OCD have poor academic functioning and a comorbid diagnosis. Many patients will respond with exposure and response prevention therapy. However, for those who are unable, unwilling, or do not fully respond to conservative treatment, it is essential that advanced practice nurses are able to appropriately evaluate and prescribe for OCD in their young patients.;[Article Title: Pregnancy and the Opioid Epidemic / Amy L. Haycraft, p. 19-23] Abstract: Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy is increasing, which often results in poor maternal and neonatal outcomes including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) as a result of lack of prenatal care and inadequate substance use disorder management. Practice guidelines have been developed to manage OUD during and after pregnancy for mother and baby, but barriers exist, limiting comprehensive implementation. To reduce the impact of OUD in pregnancy and associated maternal and neonatal sequela, implementing compassionate evidence-based care and a non-punitive response is needed. A stigma-free approach, substance use disorder screening, medication-assisted treatment, screening and treatment of mental health disorders, and an after-birth environment that promotes maternal-child bonding are recommended.;[Article Title: Strategies to Promote Walking Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Major Mental Disorders / Margaret Swarbrick, Patricia B. Nemec, Crystal L. Brandow and Amy Spagnolo, p. 25-32] Abstract: Individuals with major mental disorders could benefit from low cost, functional ways to support healthy lifestyles. Walking is a popular, preferred, accessible, and safe physical activity for many people. Walking is free, requiring no specialized equipment or membership fee, and is important to support engagement in other daily living activities. The current study explores the benefits of walking and strategies for promoting walking among community-dwelling individuals with major mental disorders. Key issues include strengthening engagement, tracking progress, and sustaining participation to achieve goals related to walking. The authors propose ways that nurses can support increased walking behavior for improved health and well-being in this population.;[Article Title: Effect of Psychiatric Symptoms on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Receiving Supported Employment Services: A Preliminary Study / Joni N. Dolce and William R. Waynor, p. 33-38] Abstract: Psychiatric symptoms are often cited by community-based providers as barriers to employment for individuals with mental health conditions. The current study assessed whether psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization in the past year predicted employment outcomes for participants receiving supported employment (SE) services. A total of 105 participants enrolled in SE services were assessed on their level of psychiatric symptoms, hospitalization in the past year, and employment outcomes. Simultaneous logistic regression was used. Eighty-two participants met for the 6-month follow up. Findings indicate that higher overall scores on the 6-month Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) are predictive of an employment outcome, and suggest that psychiatric symptoms were not a barrier to employment. Participants with higher overall scores on the BSI, thus suggesting greater symptoms, were more likely to gain employment than individuals with lower BSI scores.;[Article Title: Get on Board: Realizing Full Partnerships in Health Care / Jake Creviston and Michael Polacek, p. 39-44] Abstract: Psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) have a strong leadership history, but challenges (e.g., subordinate roles to physicians) to presenting a professional persona have made it difficult to actualize nursing leadership and realize full partnership in health care reform. Physicians outnumber nurses approximately four to one on hospital and other boards, and data suggest this gap is widening. Time, preparation, desire to serve, lack of a unified voice, and being viewed as employees versus professionals are barriers to optimal nursing leadership. Nursing's perspective is crucial to improving outcomes given the complex and shifting landscape of health care, including mental and physical health integration. Nurses can optimize their leadership skills and prepare for full partnerships on boards and beyond through self-reflection, leadership development, use of the Oregon Nurses on Boards Toolkit, and active engagement and collaborations with professional associations. PMHNs are well positioned for this work. ;[Article Title: Impact of a Nursing in Psychiatry Course on Students' Attitudes Toward Mental Health Disorders / Goran Arbanas, Dina Bosnjak, and Tamara Sabo, p. 45-51] Abstract: Negative attitudes toward patients with mental illnesses are not uncommon among health professionals, and lead to poorer quality and outcomes of care. Because attitudes are formed early in life, the current study aimed to investigate if teaching psychiatry in secondary school nursing students (i.e., adolescents) changes attitudes toward three prevalent psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. A pilot quasi-experimental study was conducted with 51 fourth-year students in secondary nursing school who completed a questionnaire regarding attitudes toward these disorders on the first and last day of their Nursing in Psychiatry course. Results show that the stigma attached to all three disorders was significantly reduced after students completed the course. Students attached greater stigma to schizophrenia than PTSD, and to PTSD than depression, before and after the course. The study indicates that education in psychiatry helps reduce negative attitudes toward PTSD, schizophrenia, and depression. |
