by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 24, 2025 | Best practices, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
One of the most stressful parts of being a PMHNP is managing patients who partially respond—or don’t respond at all—to psychotropic medications. Whether it’s antidepressants, antipsychotics, or others, knowing what to do next isn’t always straightforward....
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 22, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 17, 2025 | Best practices, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jul 15, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
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...
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...