by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 10, 2025 | Clinical support resources
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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 8, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders, Recent
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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 3, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 1, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Do You Know the Difference Between Bipolar I vs II? Let’s Test It. Understanding the difference between bipolar I vs II disorder is critical in clinical practice—especially when selecting appropriate treatments. This quick quiz will test your knowledge and help you...