Welcome to the SWEET Psych NP Blog!

Here, we explore essential topics in psychiatry, mental health, and behavioral health, including clinical practices, neuroscience, diagnostic and case formulation, best prescribing practices, treatment-resistant issues, and strategies for personal and professional growth.

Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Exercise as Medicine: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Incorporating Movement into Psychiatric Care Plans

The connection between physical activity and mental health is undeniable. As psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), integrating exercise into treatment plans can be a transformative approach to improving mental health outcomes.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Leadership Opportunities for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in Health Care

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are uniquely positioned to take on leadership roles in healthcare due to their comprehensive training in mental health, patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Challenges and Interventions for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

The mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals are profound, rooted in the impact of societal stigma, discrimination, and minority stress. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are uniquely positioned to provide inclusive and affirming care, addressing the unique needs of this community.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Culturally Sensitive Care in Psychiatry: A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Perspective

Culturally sensitive care is an essential aspect of psychiatric practice. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) play a critical role in ensuring that mental health care is responsive to the diverse cultural backgrounds, values, and experiences of the people they serve.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Exploring the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Mental Health: A Guide for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Sleep disorders are a common but often underrecognized comorbidity in mental health patients. For Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), understanding the complex relationship between sleep disturbances and mental health disorders is essential for providing comprehensive care

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Addressing Mental Health Needs in Geriatric Populations: A Guide for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

The geriatric population presents unique challenges in mental health care, often requiring a nuanced, patient-centered approach. As the number of older adults continues to rise, the role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) in managing mental health conditions in this demographic becomes increasingly vital.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Managing ADHD and Anxiety Disorders in Pediatric Patients: A Guide for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners 

As the field of pediatric psychiatry evolves, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) play a critical role in assessing, diagnosing, and managing pediatric patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Understanding Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: What Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Need to Know

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging treatment modality that integrates the use of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, MDMA, or ketamine, with psychotherapy to treat a variety of mental health disorders.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Handling Complex Cases: Co-Occurring Disorders

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are integral members of the mental health care team, often handling cases that involve complex co-occurring disorders—where individuals face both mental health challenges and substance use disorders or other medical conditions simultaneously.

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Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW Mardoche Sidor, MD; Annette Jarrett-Graham, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Best Practices in Managing Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Guide for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) presents a complex and challenging clinical scenario for psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). Defined as a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that fails to respond adequately to at least two different antidepressant trials of adequate dose and duration, TRD affects up to 30% of individuals diagnosed with MDD.

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