Category: Psychiatry

According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses can and do prescribe medication. So, **do mental health nurses give medication**? The answer is more nuanced than a simple 'yes' or 'no' and depends heavily on their specific level of training and licensure.

The medical concept of **basic symptoms** refers to subtle, subjective disturbances in mental functioning, often experienced years before the onset of conditions like psychosis. This concept is crucial for understanding the earliest markers of certain health issues and guiding timely intervention.

While Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a modern, evidence-based medical procedure for severe mental illness, ECF is not a recognized medical acronym in this context. The query, "What is the difference between ECT and ECF?", often arises from a misunderstanding of a known health term and a less common, non-health acronym.

While a clenched fist is often a natural response to anger or stress, a persistent or involuntary clenching can indicate a serious underlying medical condition. The specific term used depends on the cause, which can range from psychiatric disorders to neurological emergencies. Understanding the precise medical term for clenched fists is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neurological soft signs (NSS) have been widely documented in medical literature, with studies indicating their presence in various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. This authoritative guide breaks down what are soft signs, exploring their different contexts and crucial role in understanding both brain function and overall health status.

According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, florid symptoms refer to blatant, acute psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. A deeper understanding of what are florid positive symptoms is crucial for anyone navigating mental health issues related to psychosis or supporting a loved one.

While 'BD' can simply be a medical abbreviation for "twice daily" on a prescription, a diagnosis using this acronym most commonly refers to Bipolar Disorder. However, the abbreviation is sometimes also used informally for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which can cause significant confusion. This article clarifies what a BD diagnosis can mean in different contexts.

The term "florid" originates from the Latin word for "flowery" but has evolved in medicine to describe a condition that is fully developed and pronounced. It is most frequently used to characterize severe, acute, and obvious symptoms, particularly those seen during a psychiatric crisis. This guide explores what are florid symptoms and their clinical significance.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) affects a significant number of children and teens, and for those who don't respond to conventional therapy, the **Matthews Protocol** offers a promising alternative treatment approach using a specific combination of medications.

Stemming from the French term for 'madness,' a medical folie, or folie à deux, is a rare psychiatric syndrome where a delusion is transmitted from one person to another in a close relationship. This phenomenon highlights the profound influence of shared reality when individuals are isolated from external viewpoints and social interactions.