When Should You See A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Depression/Mood Disorders
Signs you may have depression commonly includes several of the following symptoms lasting at least two weeks such as persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness; trouble concentrating or making decisions; fatigue or low energy; and withdrawing from friends and family
Signs of other mood disorders can also involve periods of elevated or unstable mood, such as in bipolar disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD
Knowing whether you may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) involves recognizing symptoms that occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can include events such as accidents, violence, abuse, combat, or other life-threatening situations.
Anxiety Disorders
Knowing whether you may have anxiety disorder involves recognizing persistent patterns of worry, fear, or physical symptoms that interfere with your daily life and often arises in response to stress or the anticipation of potential threats. It can involve physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and muscle tension, as well as mental symptoms like difficulty concentrating and persistent worry. it may be a disorder when it becomes excessive, difficult to control, and affects functioning.
Psychosis
Knowing whether someone may be experiencing psychosis involves recognizing changes in perception, thinking, and behavior where a person has difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not. Psychosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis by itself, and it can occur in several mental health conditions. Psychosis is a condition in which a person becomes disconnected from reality, often experiencing hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t actually present) and delusions (strongly held false beliefs).
ADHD
Knowing whether you might have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually involves recognizing patterns of symptoms that affect your attention, organization, or impulse control across different areas of life (work, school, relationships). It typically begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood, AND formal diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician.