Handbook of Geropsychiatry for the Advanced Practice Nurse

Leigh Powers, DNP, MSN, MS, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with her Master's degree in 2004 and doctorate degree in 2012. She has also received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from American University in Washington, DC and a Master's degree in Applied Biology/Microbiology from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA.Dr. Powers has been serving the mental health community since 2004, working in both community mental health centers and private practice for over 15 years. She has also served as the administrative medical director at LifeCare Family Services. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Powers has continued to educate future clinicians. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of North Florida, Brooks College of Health and serves as an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).

Addressing the most commonly-encountered mental health disorders, this practicalevidence-based resource for advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, andgraduate nursing students delivers the knowledge and tools needed to effectivelyassess, examine, diagnose, treat, and promote optimal mental health in the geriatricpatient. Written by recognized experts in the field of geropsychiatry, this handbookencompasses updated DSM-5 diagnoses and criteria, psychopharmacology, thepsychiatric exam, and systems-level approaches to care. It also considers therelationships of the geriatric patient to family, community, and healthcare providersas they contribute to successful treatment.This handbook examines the biological changes associated with aging andaddresses common mental health disorders of older adults. It presents clear clinicalguidelines and demonstrates the use of relevant clinical tools and scales withillustrative examples. Additionally, the text delves into cultural differences thatimpact treatment and addresses the distinct needs of patients during a pandemicsuch as COVID-19.

Chapter 1. Basic Foundations of Aging