nurse practitioner blog
Explore a wide range of topics from evidence-based
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Helping you stay informed and confident in your practice, whether you’re navigating the challenges of starting out in the field as a new psychiatric nurse practitioner or looking for more insights to enhance patient care, the Stress Free Psych NP Blog offers practical advice, expert tips, and a supportive community dedicated to your professional growth and success.
Vortioxetine (Trintellix): What Psych NPs Should Know
Every PMHNP has their go-to medications—but what about the ones we prescribe less often? One such antidepressant for me was vortioxetine (Trintellix), a medication I used to rarely prescribe, simply because I didn’t know as much about it. Let’s change that. What Class...
Partial Dopamine Agonists: What PMHNPs Should Know
Understanding what sets newer antipsychotics apart is key for any PMHNP aiming to stay current with evidence-based treatment. Recent developments in partial dopamine agonists represent a major shift in how we manage psychotic disorders, but how much do you really know...
Lumateperone for Bipolar Depression: PMHNP Guide
Lumateperone (brand name Caplyta) gained FDA approval in 2019 for treating adults with schizophrenia and was later approved in 2021 for adults experiencing depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder. Research shows lumateperone, one of the newer...
Diagnose Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar I vs II Differences
A bipolar I disorder diagnosis is easy to make or rule out early—if you understand the diagnostic criteria. If you're a PMHNP or other mental health provider, always start by ruling out mania. To accurately diagnose bipolar disorder, look for a history of mood...
FDA Approval of Zuranolone for Postpartum Depression Treatment
In August 2023, the FDA approved zuranolone postpartum depression treatment, a new option for managing symptoms quickly and effectively. What makes zuranolone unique is its rapid onset and short treatment course—just two weeks. Zuranolone is taken orally and is...
What All Antipsychotic Medications Have in Common
If you’re a psych NP or student trying to get a better grasp on antipsychotic medications, one foundational concept is that all antipsychotics modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission, within certain parts of the brain. This is the core mechanism of action across all...
Claire’s depth of knowledge and personal experiences have made her an invaluable resource for our listeners. She consistently delivers practical, actionable advice that empowers mental health providers to overcome the challenges of the profession.
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