About Us
Learn more about NP Psych Navigator and our mission to help nurse practitioners improve mental healthcare.
Quick Guide for Providers
Potential Pharmacological Impact on Dopamine and Serotonin Receptors
Dopamine and serotonin are known neurotransmitters in the brain. Learning the effects that these neurotransmitters may be associated with and how they can be modulated may help healthcare providers better understand their impact in psychiatry.
Quick Guide for Providers
Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and Number Needed to Harm (NNH) in Psychiatry
Number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) are metrics that can be used to evaluate the clinical relevance of findings from clinical trials. Together, NNT and NNH can be used to express the likelihood of being helped or harmed (LHH), which may be helpful for communicating and understanding the potential benefits and risks of a treatment. This quick guide will review the definitions, calculations, and interpretations of NNT, NNH, and LHH.
NP Spotlight
NP Spotlight: Patricia D. Bursnall, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
A career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner can be replete with challenges and opportunities. The NP Psych Navigator Spotlight is your chance to learn more about NPs who are working to advance the profession and mental health in general. In this installment of the series, we profile Patricia (Tricia) D. Bursnall, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC.
Quick Guide for Providers
Mixed Features in Bipolar I Disorder
Many patients with bipolar I disorder (BP-1) can experience mixed features, which is the simultaneous occurrence of depressive and manic symptoms. Mixed features can be associated with negative outcomes. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to evaluate BP-1 patients for the presence of mixed features to provide appropriate management strategies.
Recommended on NP Psych Navigator
Clinical Article
Anhedonia and Cognitive Function in Adults With MDD: Results From the International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project
The International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project found a significant correlation between anhedonia and self-reported cognitive impairment in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), which may help to identify individuals with MDD who are at higher risk of cognitive decline over time.
Clinical Article
Unrecognized Bipolar Disorder in Patients With Depression Managed in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Daveney et al explore the characteristics of patients with mixed symptoms, as compared to those without mixed symptoms, in both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
NP Perspectives
When it comes to giving the best care to your patients, experience matters. Check out our Clinical Insights to hear from our vibrant community of nurse practitioners.
Educate Your Patient
Partial Response to Antidepressant Therapy and Residual Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Some patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may experience lingering symptoms of depression, known as residual symptoms, with their initial antidepressant therapy. This patient resource provides MDD patients with information on what residual symptoms are, why they may experience them, how to recognize and monitor them, and how their healthcare providers can help manage them.
Caregiver Resource
Supporting a Loved One With Major Depressive Disorder
This printable resource offers information on supporting a loved one with major depressive disorder (MDD). It helps educate on the signs that people may notice in their loved ones with MDD, as well as tips for self-care and crisis resources.
Educate Your Patient
Patient Journey Roadmap for Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide, including about 21 million adults in the United States. Managing MDD can be difficult and frustrating for both patients and providers. This convenient handout includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for MDD. You can print this roadmap and share something tangible with your patients when diagnosed with MDD. This can help patients access other helpful resources related to MDD as they consider starting treatment for their MDD.
Clinical Article Summary
Anhedonia and Cognitive Function in Adults With MDD: Results From the International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project
The International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project found a significant correlation between anhedonia and self-reported cognitive impairment in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), which may help to identify individuals with MDD who are at higher risk of cognitive decline over time.
Clinical Article Summary
Self-Reported History of Manic/Hypomanic Switch Associated With Antidepressant Use: Data From the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)
The Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) study investigated treatment-emergent risk factors associated with manic and hypomanic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. The results of this study provide insights into the prevalence of manic/hypomanic switch in patients undergoing antidepressant therapy and may help guide decisions on appropriate management.
Psychopharmacology
Understanding D2 and D3 Receptors Video
This video discusses the role of D2 and D3 receptors, 2 dopamine receptors that function as autoreceptors to help control dopamine release in the brain. They are believed to play an important role in mood regulation, particularly in patients with schizophrenia.
Psychiatry Fundamentals
Psychiatry draws upon skills that are essential to the nurse practitioner approach to patient care, empathy, compassion, and understanding. A thorough knowledge of the different mental illnesses complements those skills.