Walden University

NRNP 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I

• Week 4

NRNP 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I | Week 4

Walden University

NRNP 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I

• Week 4

NRNP 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I | Week 4

• ×

• NRNP 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I

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Week 4: Mood Disorders in Adults

I am finally doing everything right. I stayed up all night studying for my final exams and even managed to clean out my closet and order a whole new bedroom from the internet. I know I will ace all my exams. Nothing can go wrong like they did a few months ago. I was so low and was sleeping all the time. I did not think I would ever be happy again, but now I know I can do anything.

—Jessica, age 22

Patients presenting with mood disorders may find that their moods impact their ability to function or that their moods are not consistent with their circumstances. Bipolar and related disorders are one category of mood disorders. They affect nearly 3% of the U.S. population each year (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, n.d.). Although being relatively rare in terms of lifetime prevalence, bipolar disorder is burdensome to the individual and health care system because of its early onset, severity, and chronic nature. The average age of onset is around 25 and it affects men and women equally.

The importance of evidence-based intervention for treatment in persons with mood disorders cannot be underestimated. Unstable moods can result in repeat chronic hospitalizations and profound life disruption. Mood disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide and can contribute to suicide (World Health Organization, 2020). Practitioners should understand that developing a good rapport and relationship with the patient can make a significant difference in the course, symptom management, and stability of the patient.

This week, you will assess, diagnose, and develop appropriate treatment plans for adults presenting with mood disorders. 

Reference: 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder statistics.

World Health Organization. (2020). Depression.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Assess adults presenting with mood disorders
• Develop differential diagnoses for adult patients with mood disorders
• Develop appropriate treatment plans for adult patients with mood disorders
• Advocate health promotion and patient education strategies for adult patients with mood disorders

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2015). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

• Chapter 8, “Mood Disorders”

Zakhari, R. (2020). The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification review manual. Springer.

• Chapter 11, “Mood Disorders”

Document: Focused SOAP Note Template

Document: Focused SOAP Note Exemplar

Required Media (click to expand/reduce)

CrashCourse. (2014, September 8). Depressive and bipolar disorders: Crash course psychology #30 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ZwMlHkWKDwM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwMlHkWKDwM&t=1s

Walden University. (2021). Case study: Petunia Park. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu