Slide 1Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc.

CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6

Psychotherapeutic Drug Psychotherapeutic Drug TherapyTherapyPsychotherapeutic Drug Psychotherapeutic Drug TherapyTherapy

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 2

Chapter 6Chapter 6Lesson 6.1Lesson 6.1Chapter 6Chapter 6Lesson 6.1Lesson 6.1

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 3

Learning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

• Briefly explain how psychotherapeutic medications affect human beings.

• Identify four classifications of psychotherapeutic medications.

• Discuss three classes of antianxiety agents and the side effects associated with each.

(Cont'd...)

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 4

Learning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

(...Cont'd)

• Prepare a list of three teaching points for clients who are beginning antidepressant therapy.

• Explain the three major guidelines for care of clients taking lithium.

• Identify one central nervous system and three peripheral nervous system side effects of antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drug therapy.

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 5

Psychotherapeutic DrugsPsychotherapeutic DrugsPsychotherapeutic DrugsPsychotherapeutic Drugs

• Powerful chemicals produce profound effects on mind, emotions, and body.

• Act mainly on CNS by altering its chemical modulators

• Interrupt neurotransmission by suppressing major nerve pathways that connect brain to frontal lobes and limbic system

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 6

Classifications of Psychotherapeutic Classifications of Psychotherapeutic DrugsDrugsClassifications of Psychotherapeutic Classifications of Psychotherapeutic DrugsDrugs

• Antianxiety agents Reduce psychic tension of stress

• Antidepressants Act by increasing certain neurotransmitter activities

• Antimanics Work as naturally occurring mood stabilizers

• Antipsychotics Have profound effects on brain and nervous system

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Antianxiety AgentsAntianxiety AgentsAntianxiety AgentsAntianxiety Agents

• Azaspirones Take 2 to 4 weeks to relieve symptoms of anxiety Minimal side effects

• Benzodiazepines Oldest anxiolytics Fast-acting Major side effect is drowsiness Potential for dependency Withdrawal occurs if stopped abruptly

• Beta-blockers Used to treat phobias

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Antidepressant MedicationsAntidepressant MedicationsAntidepressant MedicationsAntidepressant Medications

• Classes Tricyclics Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Teaching points One to four weeks before effects are noted Some side effects may be experienced soon after

medication is started Medication must be taken regularly despite side effects Client instruction: Contact physician if side effects become

bothersome

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 9

Caring for Clients on LithiumCaring for Clients on LithiumCaring for Clients on LithiumCaring for Clients on Lithium

• Help with prelithium workup Complete physical, history, ECG, and several blood

studies

• Teach client to maintain stable blood level of drug Teach client and family about expected side effects

and difference between common side effects and those requiring immediate notification of physician

• Monitor client for side effects and toxic reactions Reinforce information about side effects with written

instructions

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 10

Chapter 6Chapter 6Lesson 6.2Lesson 6.2Chapter 6Chapter 6Lesson 6.2Lesson 6.2

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 11

Learning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

• Describe five care guidelines for clients receiving psychotherapeutic drugs.

• Discuss three topics for teaching clients about their medications.

• Explain how informed consent and noncompliance relate to psychotherapeutic medications.

Mosby items and derived items © 2006 by Mosby, Inc. Slide 12

Nursing Guidelines for Clients Receiving Nursing Guidelines for Clients Receiving Psychotherapeutic DrugsPsychotherapeutic DrugsNursing Guidelines for Clients Receiving Nursing Guidelines for Clients Receiving Psychotherapeutic DrugsPsychotherapeutic Drugs

• Assess client for physical and psychosocial effects

• Coordinate care Ensure that each component of treatment plan is

carried out

• Administer medications

• Monitor clients for drug effectiveness

• Teach client about new medications