This ground-breaking core text integrates psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches into advanced practice nursing and fills a void in the nursing literature. It is organized around psychiatric 'syndromes,' rather than DSM diagnoses, so it will remain current even after the publication of the DSM-V. It provides clear and relevant treatment options in the form of decision trees with additional explanatory narratives. The text integrates neurobiology, theory, and research evidence related to psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and complementary and alternative medicine interventions. While providing comprehensive information on theory and practice, it simplifies complex aspects of treatment with clarity and provides the depth of content appropriate to support sound clinical reasoning required in advanced practice.

The book responds to the current backlash against overmedication in psychiatry. It also fulfills the upcoming requirements by APNA and ISPN that Advanced Practice Nurses must have skills in psychotherapy. Finally, the text focuses on treatment issues across the lifespan and highlights pertinent clinical differences from the adult population through pediatric pointers and aging alerts.

Key Features:

• Organized around psychiatric 'syndromes,' rather than DSM diagnoses, so it will remain relevant after the DSM V publishes
• Integrates neurobiology, theory, and research evidence related to psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and CAM therapies
• Provides the much-needed content on psychotherapy newly required for all Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses (APNA & ISPN White Papers)
• Reflects a long-overdue nursing holistic approach, different from the customary medical approach
• Supports clinical decision skills through beautifully-designed, easy-to-follow decision trees for initiating treatment guidelines for 'usual' clients and helps to distinguish those who may require more customized therapeutic interventions.
• Reflects extensive practice and educational experience of editors and contributors from the United States, Canada, and Scotland, all of whom are expert APNs