by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 9, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
Have you ever opened a patient’s chart, scanned a long list of psychiatric medications, and wondered, “How did we get here?” Or faced a swirl of overlapping symptoms and felt unsure which direction to go first? If so, you’re not alone. Even seasoned PMHNPs encounter...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Nov 25, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
Bipolar disorder is one of the most challenging conditions to accurately diagnose—especially when it doesn’t present in textbook form. Over the years, I’ve found one simple yet powerful tool to be especially helpful in clinical interviews: the 5 A’s of bipolar...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Nov 11, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
As a provider who primarily treats adults, my experience with ADHD diagnosis and treatment has been limited. Over the past few years, I’ve been learning more about diagnosing and managing ADHD, especially in the adult population. What’s become clear is just how much...