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For US Nurse Practitioners

Welcome to NP Psych Navigator, a curated library of clinical tools, educational resources, and inspiring stories from your peers. Our mission is to support your needs as you support your patients with mental illness. 

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Learn more about NP Psych Navigator and our mission to help nurse practitioners improve mental healthcare.

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Mixed Features in Bipolar I Disorder

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.
Bipolar Education and Screening: The Impact on Patient Care Podcast

Peer Exchange

Bipolar Education and Screening: The Impact on Patient Care Podcast

Tina Matthews-Hayes, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, and Patricia Bursnall, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, discuss how education on using a screening tool can help healthcare providers accurately diagnose and manage bipolar I disorder.
Self-Reported History of Manic/Hypomanic Switch Associated With Antidepressant Use: Data From the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)

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.
NP Spotlight: Katherine Sullivan, MSN, APN

NP Spotlight

NP Spotlight: Katherine Sullivan, MSN, APN

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 Katherine Sullivan, MSN, APN.

Recommended on NP Psych Navigator

Fundamentals of Major Depressive Disorder

Disease Primer

Fundamentals of Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most recognized mental disorders in the United States. Learn more about the prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of MDD here.
State-Dependent Differences in Emotion Regulation Between Unmedicated Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

Clinical Article

State-Dependent Differences in Emotion Regulation Between Unmedicated Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

Rive et al use functional MRI to look at some of the differences between patients with bipolar depression and major depressive disorder.
Unrecognized Bipolar Disorder in Patients With Depression Managed in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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.

NP Spotlight: Kathleen T. McCoy, DNSc, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP
NP Spotlight: Kathleen T. McCoy, DNSc, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP
NP Spotlight: Chris Lambert, FNP-C, DNP
NP Spotlight: Chris Lambert, FNP-C, DNP
NP Spotlight: Jeremy Schreiber, MSN, PMHNP-BC
NP Spotlight: Jeremy Schreiber, MSN, PMHNP-BC
NP Spotlight: Katherine Sullivan, MSN, APN
NP Spotlight: Katherine Sullivan, MSN, APN


Clinical Tools

Partial Response to Antidepressant Therapy and Residual Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

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.

Psychiatric Scales

Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS)

The Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) is a brief, 4-item scale used to assess the severity of akathisia in patients taking antipsychotic medications.1
Supporting a Loved One With Major Depressive Disorder

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.
Patient Journey Roadmap for Major Depressive Disorder

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 Education

Patient Case Quiz: Using the Rapid Mood Screener in Practice

Test Your Knowledge

Patient Case Quiz: Using the Rapid Mood Screener in Practice

What is the appropriate patient type for the Rapid Mood Screener? Review this patient case to test your knowledge.
Understanding D2 and D3 Receptors Video

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.
Prevalence and Illness Characteristics of the “Mixed Features Specifier” in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder & Bipolar Disorder: Results From the International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project

Clinical Article Summary

Prevalence and Illness Characteristics of the “Mixed Features Specifier” in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder & Bipolar Disorder: Results From the International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project

The International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project assessed the characteristics and prevalence of mixed features in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BP). The results of this study showed that a significant proportion of participants met the criteria for mixed features. These patients experienced more severe depression and other comorbidities, emphasizing the importance of identifying mixed features in MDD and BP patients to help manage their condition appropriately.
Movement Disorder Side Effects and Use of Scales Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Movement Disorder Side Effects and Use of Scales Quiz

Test your knowledge on movement disorder side effects that may be present in patients taking atypical antipsychotics, as well as the clinical tools that can help you evaluate these conditions.

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.

Learn more about Psychiatry Fundamentals
Psychiatry Fundamentals 

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