MedSurg/Adult Health 1 (Psychotherapeutic Drugs)

Ch16 provides a comprehensive overview of psychotherapeutic drugs, focusing on those used to treat anxiety, affective, and psychotic disorders. It outlines the various classes of drugs, such as anxiolytics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, and discusses their mechanisms of action, indications, and potential adverse effects. Key concepts like the biogenic amine hypothesis and serotonin syndrome are explained, alongside the importance of nursing assessment and patient education for safe and effective treatment. The text also highlights considerations for specific populations, including pediatric and older adult patients, and emphasizes the risk of drug interactions and the need for close monitoring.