Featuring a clear writing style and a reader-friendly approach, this popular resource focuses on the therapeutic skills expected of the psychiatric nurse. Using the psychotherapeutic management model as a framework, it takes a practical, clinical approach to nursing by integrating clinical realities with the theory taught in nursing schools, emphasizing those duties for which nurses are primarily responsible. This fourth edition features a new full-color design, patient education content, and expanded student worksheets with case studies and critical thinking questions - making it an even more effective learning tool. A separate unit on the continuum of care discusses care settings and case management. An entire unit on pharmacology includes drug side effects and nursing interventions. Each chapter begins with learning objectives to point students to important concepts within. Key terms are presented (where appropriate) in a boxed format for easy reference to facilitate the understanding of chapter content. Case studies help the reader conceptualize the development of effective nursing care strategies.

Family Issues boxes are included in selected chapters to facilitate awareness of the issues families must confront when a member suffers from mental illness. Clinical examples drawn from the authors' own experiences are interspersed throughout the text to provide realistic illustrations of specific content. All boxes and tables with pharmacology content are highlighted for emphasis and accessibility. Nursing care plans highlight nursing care for selected disorders. Critical thinking questions throughout the text expand clinical reasoning skills. Key concepts are listed at the end of each chapter to recap important content. Key terms are defined in a comprehensive glossary in the back of the book. A new chapter on Alternative and Complementary Therapies presents valuable information about the various alternative/complementary therapies associated with mental health and illness.

A new chapter on Spirituality addresses how spiritual beliefs can affect patients and their treatment. The new full color design is more reader-friendly and accessible. Patient and Family Education boxes in selected disorders chapters highlight important information. Updated DSM-IV-TR content is included. An expanded student study guide in the back of the book features perforated worksheets, multiple-choice study questions, case studies, and critical thinking questions to facilitate comprehension of the content. A new website includes printable drug cards.