Psychiatric mental health treatment can be beneficial to individuals at every stage of life, from childhood to later years. However, different age demographics come with their own demands, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners employ various strategies to address each group’s unique needs.
In this article, we explore the ways that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners adapt their approach depending on the age of their patients.
What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or PMHNP, is a type of advanced practice registered nurse specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They may recommend or conduct therapeutic treatments, prescribe medications, and plan and administer ongoing care plans. They also advocate for their patients.
How to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
If you wish to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you will need a nursing degree from an accredited university or training program. You must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to acquire a nursing license.
You will now be a registered nurse (RN), and the next step is to build your practical experience in this role. Once you have a good grounding as an RN, you’ll need to enroll on a PMHNP master’s course, or similar, again at an accredited university. Finally, you must apply for a license to practice as a PMHNP in the relevant state.
Of course, throughout your training and beyond, you will need to conduct ongoing independent research into the field, staying abreast of new discoveries relating to mental health, specialist treatments, drug development and more.
How psychiatric mental health care is adapted to address the needs of different age groups
People tend to require different types of treatment for mental health conditions throughout their lives. It is often the job of PMHNPs to adapt their approaches depending on the age demographic of their patients.
Below, we’ll examine the differences in approach to mental health care for children, adolescents, adults and older adults.
Children
Many mental health conditions and neurodivergent behaviors become apparent in childhood, including autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders such as depression, personality disorders, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome will also have an impact on a child’s mental health.
Childhood is, of course, a key period for early diagnosis and intervention. Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and talking therapies are often prescribed, but a number of other, more ‘creative’ therapies are often used at this stage in life. These may include play therapy or art, music, dance and drama therapy. Such approaches enable children to express themselves and relieve stress in a way that is more personal, relaxed and flexible.
The keys to childhood mental health care are the effective and healthy achievement of emotional and developmental milestones. The child and their mental health care provider will work together on tailored coping skills to ensure that they are able to learn and grow while making allowances for their condition – without feeling ‘held back’.
Mental health nurses also focus on promoting young people’s social development and healthy interactions with others, giving them the support necessary to ensure that they can have a healthy future.
Adolescents
With half of lifelong mental illnesses starting at the age of 14, and the majority of mental health conditions beginning by 24, adolescence and young adulthood is clearly a vital time for treatment. The most common conditions emerging in teens and young adults tend to be anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and eating disorders.
It is at this point in life that a number of interventions tend to start, from the prescription of certain drugs to the application of a range of psychological therapies and occupational approaches.
Common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy – both of which aim to develop coping skills and aid young people in understanding and reacting healthily to their own thoughts and feelings.
Adults
In many cases, adult mental health treatment involves the ongoing care of an existing diagnosis. However, this is not always the case. This period in life may see the emergence of conditions that are new to the individual – such as PTSD following a traumatic experience, postpartum conditions, or issues triggered by injuries or major life changes. It is also easier for adults to recognize symptoms in themselves and get a diagnosis for what could have been a previously unknown condition.
It can be difficult for adults to come to terms with new or late diagnoses, so the development of effective coping skills is vital. Alongside the prescription of drugs and therapies, there is often a strong emphasis on the maintenance of a healthy social life and constructive hobbies to help the patient pursue a sense of normalcy and keep their condition under control.
The elderly
As adults reach retirement age and beyond, their mental health requirements change. Many older adults begin to experience a deterioration in their physical health, and reduced mobility, vision and hearing can lead to isolation and conditions such as depression.
Some elderly individuals may be carers for partners, or may lose loved ones, which will make psychological strain more acute.
A focus on resilience, and the connection between mental and physical health, is key at this stage. Interventions relating to an individual’s social life and lifestyle – as well as the development of a positive outlook on the aging process – are all part and parcel of elder mental health care. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other talking and creative therapies continue to be excellent resources, as does mindfulness training.
Conclusion
The journey of an individual’s mental health tends to come in phases that are closely connected with their stage of life. Naturally, each and every case is different and depends heavily on the individual diagnosis and the lifestyle, social habits, preferences and personalities of the patient. However, studies have clearly shown that age will almost always have a strong influence on the issues faced, and on the most suitable treatments.
It is the duty of a PMHNP to develop a clear understanding of the challenges that an individual is likely to be tackling at each particular point in time, and, accordingly, to prescribe the therapies and medications that are most appropriate.
