Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Posted by: Frances Quino, RN

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is not a primary disease but rather a complication of what has been supposed to be a therapeutic regimen. It is a fatal complication of treatment with potent neuroleptics (anti – psychotic drugs and anti –schizophrenic drugs which inhibits dopaminergic receptors or blocks serotonin receptors). NMS usually occurs when the treatment [...]

Feeding and Eating Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood is characterized by the failure of an infant or child under six years of age to eat enough food to gain weight and grow normally over a period of one month or more. The disorder can also be characterized by the loss of a significant amount of weight [...]

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM IV), defines oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that persists for at least 6 months. ODD is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, hostile, and [...]

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a serious neurological condition that results primarily from a deficiency of the nutrient thiamine which is also known as Vitamin B1. This condition is an inflammatory, hemorrhagic, degenerative condition of the brain. It is characterized by lesions in several parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus, mammillary bodies, and tissues surrounding [...]

Group Therapy

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy which as small, carefully selected group of individuals meets regularly with a therapist. The client participates in sessions with a group of people. These individuals share a common purpose and are expected to contribute to the group to benefit from others in return. In group therapy approximately [...]

Therapeutic Therapy

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

A simple type of milieu therapy by which the total social structure of the treatment unit is involved in the helping process. Goal and Objectives To help the patient develop a sense of self-esteem and self- respect. To help him learn to trust others. To improve his ability to relate to others and with authority. [...]

Cognitive Disorders

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

Cognitive disorders are characterized by the disruption of thinking, memory, processing, and problem solving. Types of cognitive disorders include: delirium, dementia, and memory loss disorders (amnesia or dissociative fugue). Risk Factors Physiological changes such as neurological, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease. Cognitive changes Family genetics Infections Tumors Sleep disorders Substance abuse Drug intoxications and withdrawals Signs [...]

Korsakoff’s Syndrome (Korsakoff’s Psychosis)

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition Korsakoff’s syndrome is a condition that mainly affects chronic alcoholics. It is also called Korsakov’s syndrome, Korsakoff’s psychosis or amnesic-confabulatory syndrome. It is a brain or neurological disorder caused by thiamine or Vitamin B1 deficiency. The syndrome is named after Sergie Korsakoff, a neuropsychiatrist who popularized the theory. Causes Chronic Alcoholism. This syndrome is [...]

Suicidal Ideation

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

Self imposed death stemming from depression. Risk Factors Theories of Suicide Anger turned inward: anger that was previously directed at someone else is turned inward. Hopelessness, depression, and guilt: desperate feelings of the client. A history of aggression and violence: rage and violent behavior is correlated with suicides. Shame and humiliation: suicide viewed as a [...]

Types of Phobias

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

A phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive, irrational, and intense fear of a specific object an activity, or a physical situation. The fear, which is out of proportion to reality, usually results from early painful or unpleasant experiences involving a particular object or situation. A phobia may arise from displacing an unconscious conflict [...]