19

2

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, the

student should be able to

1.Discuss the structures,
processes, and functions of
the brain.

2.Describe the current neuro-
biologic research and theo-
ries that are the basis for
current psychopharmaco-
logic treatment of mental
disorders.

3.Discuss the nurse’s role in
educating clients and fami-
lies about current neurobio-
logic theories and medica-
tion management.

4.Identify pertinent teach-
ing for clients and families
about brain imaging
techniques.

5.Discuss the categories of
drugs used to treat mental
illness and their mecha-
nisms of action, side ef-
fects, and special nursing
considerations.

6.Identify client responses
that indicate treatment
effectiveness.

7.Discuss common barriers
to maintaining the medica-
tion regimen.

8.Develop a teaching plan
for clients and families for
implementation of the
prescribed therapeutic
regimen.

Key Terms

akathisia

anticholinergic effects

antidepressant drugs

antipsychotic drugs

anxiolytic drugs

black box warning

computed tomography (CT)

depot injection

dopamine

dystonia

efficacy

epinephrine

extrapyramidal symptoms

(EPS)

half-life

kindling process

limbic system

magnetic resonance

imaging (MRI)

mood-stabilizing drugs

Neurobiologic

Theories

and Psycho-

pharmacology

➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤

neuroleptic malignant

syndrome (NMS)

neurotransmitter

norepinephrine

off-label use

positron emission

tomography (PET)

potency

pseudoparkinsonism

psychoimmunology

psychopharmacology

psychotropic drugs

rebound

serotonin

single photon emission

computed tomography

(SPECT)

stimulant drugs

tardive dyskinesia (TD)

withdrawal