Neuroanatomy and physiology in modern child psychiatric nursing.
OBJECTIVE
Brain anatomy and brain function pertinent to clinical practice in child and adolescent psychiatric nursing.


OBJECTIVE
Over the past two decades psychiatry has increasingly turned to biological explanations for the etiology of mental disorders. In addition, public awareness of neurobiology has been kindled by a steady flow of articles in the media about the brain. Finally, there has been a tremendous proliferation of psychopharmacological agents used in the treatment of mental disorders in both adult and pediatric populations. Hence, nurses are increasingly expected to employ a knowledge base that embraces the fundamentals of neuroscience.


METHODS
This article briefly reviews current information about brain anatomy and function in order to provide a foundation for current practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Contemporary psychiatric nursing practice all but requires nurses to acquire a basic understanding of neuroanatomy and physiology.
Keltner
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D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D009445:Neuroanatomy; D009482:Neurophysiology; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education; D011600:Psychopharmacology