Medication Management/Psychopharmacology
Medication management is not one size fits all, and in collaboration with the board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, we will discuss the treatment options and your needs. Behavioral Health Resiliency PLLC uses a shared decision-making model with the nursing process.
Any psychiatric disorder will require a two-pronged approach for successful treatment: medication combined with psychotherapy or counseling. A two-pronged approach is helpful because of the bio-psychosocial model and the fact that humans are multidimensional.
A PMHNP has the training to provide both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. At Behavioral Health Resiliency PLLC psychopharmacology is informed by current science, research, and evidence-based practice. We offer Pharmacogenetic testing with Genesight and Genomind.
PMHNPs meticulously manage medication for patients with mental health conditions. They begin by conducting a thorough evaluation, gathering information about the patient's medical and family history, as well as their current symptoms. Based on this assessment, they select appropriate medications tailored to the patient's diagnosis and individual needs. To minimize potential side effects and optimize treatment, PMHNPs typically start with a low dose of medication and gradually adjust it as needed. Regular monitoring for adverse reactions is essential to ensure patient safety and comfort. Through ongoing evaluation, PMHNPs continuously assess the patient's response to medication, making adjustments as necessary to maintain optimal outcomes.
Medication Management
Medication management plays a vital role in the psychiatric care offered by PMHNPs. It is centered on the practical application and oversight of medications in a clinical setting.
This process includes the evaluation, prescription, and ongoing monitoring of psychotropic medications aimed at addressing mental health issues. Medication management seeks individualized patient care, ensuring medications are used effectively and safely.
If medication is deemed necessary following your psychiatric evaluation, you will be scheduled for regular follow-up appointments as part of your treatment plan.
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Your medication management includes education about the medication's purpose, dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other medicines.
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As part of the monitoring, you will discuss ongoing symptoms at each visit and address adjustments. Your medication response, including symptom improvement and side effects, will be regularly monitored.
These appointments are 30 minutes long and include brief psychotherapy interventions. They are most appropriate for those established with a therapist. A combination of medication and therapy is ultimately the most effective approach to successful outcomes. However, there are indications for utilizing medication management alone when appropriate.
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PMHNPs are trained to adapt therapies to meet their patients' specific needs. They may combine various approaches or tailor them to address particular issues. The most frequently used therapies in this practice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Supportive Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Psychopharmacology is the use of medications to treat psychiatric diagnoses.
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Combining medications and psychotherapy is the best foundation for recovery.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please click here.
More about Medicines
Medication is a tool within a comprehensive treatment plan. It's not a standalone solution but a component used with other therapeutic interventions. Remembering that medication is just one part of the equation is crucial. A holistic approach to mental health care involves considering the patient's overall well-being, including their psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions often play a significant role in achieving long-term recovery.​​
The goal of medication is not to mask symptoms but to address the underlying biological factors contributing to mental illness. By using medication as a tool in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions, PMHNPs can help patients achieve optimal mental health outcomes.
What about Science?
There are more than 40 neurotransmitters in the human nervous system, and in the brain, there are small molecules like insulin and oxytocin that work more subtly. They are adjusting how cells communicate. Scientists have identified more than 60 distinct neurotransmitters in the human brain. There are 7 primary neurotransmitters.
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Medications help regulate the neurotransmission of the brain’s chemicals to assist in managing symptoms. Medications can enhance, block, or partially block signaling.
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Through pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, symptoms are managed. Pharmacokinetics is how the medications move through the body, and Pharmacodynamics is the biological response to the medication, which is monitored closely to achieve the desired effects.
