This psychiatric mental health nursing text is designed for the program that teaches a shortened or integrated psychiatric mental health core course. The book presents sound nursing theory, therapeutic modalities, and clinical application for the major DSM-IV disorders across the treatment continuum. The organizing framework is the nursing process. The text emphasizes assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiology, and psychopharmacologic intervention. Features focus on developing student self-awareness, communication skills, and utilizing family and community resources.