Neurocognitive Disorders
The neurocognitive disorders are unique among the other psychiatric disorders you have studied in that the diseases that are to blame for the neurocognitive manifestations that have been extensively studied. Additionally, these conditions are also acquired and represent a decline from a previous level of functioning. The neurocognitive disorders present a diagnostic challenge to the PMHNP in that many of the signs and symptoms overlap.
This week, you will explore evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for neurocognitive disorders. You will complete your final Decision Tree as you rationalize and justify your diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a mental health disorder.
Treatment of Neurocognitive Disorders
Neurocognitive disorders (NCD) such as delirium, dementia, and amnestic disorders are more prevalent in older adults. As the population ages and as life expectancy in the United States continues to increase, the incidence of these disorders will continue to increase. Cognitive functioning such as memory, language, orientation, judgment, and problem solving are affected in clients with NCDs. Caring for someone with a neurocognitive disorder is not only challenging for the clinician, but also stressful for the family. The PMHNP needs to consider not only the client but also the “family as client.” Collaboration with primary care providers and specialty providers is essential. Anticipatory guidance also becomes extremely important.
In this Discussion, you will integrate several sources of knowledge specific to NCDs as you discuss evidenced-based therapies used to treat these disorders.
ASSIGNMENT
· Explain the diagnostic criteria for your assigned neurocognitive disorder (Lewy Body
Dementia)
· Compare differential diagnostic features of neurocognitive disorders (Lewy Body Dementia)
· Explain the evidenced-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for your assigned neurocognitive disorder. (Lewy Body Dementia)
· Evaluate benefits and risks of neurocognitive therapies
· Identify the risks of different types of therapy and explain how the benefits of the therapy that might be achieved might outweigh the risks.
