10.1 Introduction to Psychiatric Conditions and Medications
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to
1. Explain the term “anxiety”
2. Identify common medications to treat anxiety
3. Explain the term “depression”
4. Identify common medications used to treat depression
5. Describe other common psychiatric pathologies
6. Identify common medications used to treat other common psychiatric pathologies
7. Define common medication terms related to addiction and the medications used to treat it
Chapter Overview
Psychiatric medications are commonly prescribed within the hospital setting and for patients in the community as well. As you will see while going through this chapter, there are a number of different medications that can be given for the same pathologies. Many work in similar or just slightly different ways, but some patients respond better to one versus another. A very basic review of neurotransmitters, similar to Chapter 9, will be covered, followed by a thorough discussion of some of the more common psychiatric pathologies. Treatment options, specifically medications, will be discussed, and then an introduction to the topic of addiction will be provided. Considering how common these medications are within the medical system, this chapter will help provide the foundation needed by new healthcare professionals.
Attribution
Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been adapted from the following resource:
Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (Eds.). (2020). Nursing pharmacology. Chippewa Valley Technical College. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/pharmacology/, licensed under CC BY 4.0
