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Mental Health Medicines Management for Nurses

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Mental Health Medicines Management for Nurses

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the legal and ethical dimensions of medication management

  • Develop strategies to support patient adherence to psychotropic medications

  • Apply foundational knowledge of brain anatomy and pharmacology to clinical practice

Details to know

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Recently updated!

June 2026

Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

There are 12 modules in this course

This course provides nurses with an in-depth understanding of mental health medication management. It focuses on pharmacology, prescribing principles, and managing mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Nurses will gain practical knowledge of the legal and ethical aspects of psychopharmacology, building confidence in managing medications in mental health settings.

By diving into the complexities of psychopharmacology, learners will be equipped with the tools to manage mental health medications safely and effectively. They will understand medication interactions, the promotion of adherence, and the clinical management of disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. This course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring that nurses can confidently navigate the challenges of medication management in real-world mental health settings. Case studies and best practices ensure that learning is applicable to clinical practice. The course is suitable for nurses working in mental health settings such as psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, and outpatient services. Basic knowledge of nursing principles and pharmacology will be beneficial for a more comprehensive understanding. This course is based on the book, Mental Health Medicines Management for Nurses, by Stan Mutsatsa. Copyright Β©2021 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

This module examines the legal frameworks and ethical principles guiding medicines management in mental health care. Learners will explore professional accountability, key legislation such as the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, and ethical dilemmas through real-world case studies. The module emphasizes responsible, evidence-based decision-making in complex clinical situations.

What's included

1 video15 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
15 readingsβ€’Total 94 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’6 minutes
  • Accountability to the Professional Bodyβ€’5 minutes
  • Activity: Reflectionβ€’5 minutes
  • Case Study: Mr Herczegfalvyβ€’6 minutes
  • Activity: Evidence-based Practice and Researchβ€’6 minutes
  • Bioethics/Principlismβ€’15 minutes
  • Beneficenceβ€’5 minutes
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005β€’5 minutes
  • Case Study: Ms Re Tβ€’6 minutes
  • Case Study: Mental Capacity Act 2005 Checklistβ€’4 minutes
  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguardsβ€’6 minutes
  • Ethical Conflictsβ€’4 minutes
  • Section 2β€’7 minutes
  • Section 37β€’6 minutes
  • Medicines Act 1968β€’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Legal and Ethical Foundations in Mental Health Careβ€’16 minutes

This module examines the factors influencing adherence to psychotropic medication, including health beliefs, patient-provider relationships, and communication strategies. Learners will explore methods for assessing adherence, barriers to treatment, and practical techniques such as motivational interviewing to support patient autonomy and improve outcomes.

What's included

1 video14 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
14 readingsβ€’Total 78 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’4 minutes
  • Medication Adherenceβ€’6 minutes
  • The Measurement of Adherenceβ€’6 minutes
  • Perceived Benefits and Barriersβ€’4 minutes
  • Activity: Reflectionβ€’4 minutes
  • Factors Influencing Adherenceβ€’6 minutes
  • The Therapeutic Alliance and Adherenceβ€’6 minutes
  • Benefits and Limitations of Medicationβ€’9 minutes
  • Strategies for Improving Adherence to Medicationβ€’6 minutes
  • Communication Style: Motivational Interviewingβ€’4 minutes
  • Autonomy and Supportβ€’5 minutes
  • Therapeutic Skills Required for Motivational Interviewingβ€’4 minutes
  • Develop Discrepancyβ€’4 minutes
  • Collaboratively Address Risk Factors for Non-Adherenceβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Therapeutic Alliance and Medication Adherenceβ€’16 minutes

This module introduces the foundational anatomy and physiology of the brain as it relates to psychopharmacology. Learners will explore key brain regions, neuron structure, neural development, and the mechanisms of chemical neurotransmission. The module also covers how brain scanning techniques have advanced our understanding of neural communication and drug action.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
8 readingsβ€’Total 51 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’4 minutes
  • Brain Scanningβ€’4 minutes
  • The Diencephalonβ€’8 minutes
  • The Cerebral Cortexβ€’4 minutes
  • The Structure of the Neuronβ€’3 minutes
  • Neural Developmentβ€’6 minutes
  • Chemical Neurotransmissionβ€’13 minutes
  • Activity: Reflectionβ€’9 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Brain Anatomy and Neurotransmitter Systemsβ€’16 minutes

This module delves into the processes of medicine discovery, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, while examining how genetic, ethnic, and clinical factors influence drug interactions and patient responses. Learners will explore ethical considerations in clinical trials, regulatory pathways for medicine approval, and real-world case studies on medicine interactions. The module also covers the mechanisms of pharmaceutical and metabolic interactions, including the role of CYP450 enzymes and transporter proteins.

What's included

1 video12 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
12 readingsβ€’Total 63 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’5 minutes
  • Ethical Considerations in Clinical Trialsβ€’6 minutes
  • Marketingβ€’5 minutes
  • The General Principles of Medicine Interactionsβ€’4 minutes
  • Pharmaceutical Interactionsβ€’4 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’6 minutes
  • Induction or Inhibition of Medicine Transporter Proteinsβ€’5 minutes
  • Activity: Decision-makingβ€’4 minutes
  • CYP450 Enzymesβ€’4 minutes
  • Eliminationβ€’5 minutes
  • The Importance of Ethnicity in Medicine Response and Interactionsβ€’5 minutes
  • Differences in Psychotropic Medicine Responses Across Ethnic Minority Groupsβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Pharmacology and Medicine Interactions Fundamentalsβ€’16 minutes

This module examines the collaborative roles of healthcare professionals in the safe prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medicines. Learners will explore best practices for patient consultations, medication management, and the legal responsibilities associated with controlled substances. Practical procedures for oral, injectable, and sublingual medication administration are also covered.

What's included

1 video13 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
13 readingsβ€’Total 69 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’4 minutes
  • The General Principles of Prescribingβ€’3 minutes
  • Establishing Rapport During Consultationβ€’5 minutes
  • Presenting Complaint and History of Current Illnessβ€’6 minutes
  • Medicationβ€’6 minutes
  • Pharmacy Practice in the Hospital Settingβ€’6 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’8 minutes
  • Administration of Controlled Medicines/Drugsβ€’4 minutes
  • Oral Medication Administration Procedureβ€’4 minutes
  • Administration of Injectionsβ€’6 minutes
  • Choice of Needleβ€’4 minutes
  • Administering an Injection Using the Z-Track Techniqueβ€’5 minutes
  • Sublingual Administrationβ€’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Medicines Administration and Prescription Safetyβ€’16 minutes

This module examines the biological underpinnings of major depression, the mechanisms and classes of antidepressant medications, and evidence-based strategies for managing depressive disorders in clinical practice. Learners will explore both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches, including considerations for special populations and safety concerns.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
10 readingsβ€’Total 51 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’4 minutes
  • The Biological Mechanism That May Explain Depressionβ€’4 minutes
  • The Monoamine Hypothesis and the Role of Glial Cellsβ€’3 minutes
  • Common Disorders Known to Be Associated with Depressionβ€’4 minutes
  • Mode of Action of TCAsβ€’4 minutes
  • Mode of Action of MAOIsβ€’5 minutes
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitorsβ€’11 minutes
  • Suicidality in Children and Adolescentsβ€’4 minutes
  • Treatment and Management of Depressionβ€’6 minutes
  • Overdoseβ€’6 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Antidepressant Therapies and Their Implicationsβ€’16 minutes

This module examines the clinical features and underlying mechanisms of bipolar disorder, with a focus on differentiating it from other mood disorders. Learners will explore the pharmacological management of bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics, as well as practical considerations for patient care. Case-based activities will reinforce critical thinking in real-world treatment scenarios.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
8 readingsβ€’Total 55 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’7 minutes
  • Differentiating Bipolar Depression from Unipolar or Major Depressionβ€’5 minutes
  • Common Disorders and Medicines Associated with Maniaβ€’13 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’4 minutes
  • Anticonvulsantsβ€’7 minutes
  • Carbamazepineβ€’7 minutes
  • Lamotrigineβ€’5 minutes
  • Atypical Antipsychoticsβ€’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Medication Considerationsβ€’16 minutes

This module examines the causes and biological mechanisms underlying psychotic disorders, with a focus on the pharmacological management of symptoms using various classes of antipsychotic medications. Learners will explore the side effect profiles of different treatments, strategies for improving medication adherence, and special considerations for vulnerable patient groups. Practical guidance on avoiding common treatment errors is also provided.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
9 readingsβ€’Total 66 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’5 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’6 minutes
  • Treatment of Positive Symptomsβ€’5 minutes
  • Second-Generation 'Atypical' Antipsychoticsβ€’5 minutes
  • Partial Agonists and the Treatment of Psychosisβ€’14 minutes
  • Non-Extrapyramidal Side Effects of Antipsychoticsβ€’13 minutes
  • Long-term Depot Medicationβ€’4 minutes
  • Special Considerationsβ€’7 minutes
  • Common Treatment Errors to Avoidβ€’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Psychotic Disorder Management and Treatmentβ€’16 minutes

This module delves into the clinical features of dementia, the underlying neurobiological theories, and current pharmacological treatments. Learners will also explore strategies for managing psychiatric symptoms and effective communication techniques for patient care. By the end, you will be equipped to recognize treatment options and avoid common pitfalls in dementia management.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
5 readingsβ€’Total 31 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’5 minutes
  • Amyloid Cascade and Neurofibrillary Theoryβ€’4 minutes
  • Care and Management of People with Dementiaβ€’7 minutes
  • Pharmacological Approaches to Dementiaβ€’8 minutes
  • Management of the Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementiaβ€’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Dementia Care and Treatment Essentialsβ€’16 minutes

This module delves into the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders, reviews pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment options, and addresses strategies for managing medication side effects. Learners will also explore the relationship between anxiety and physical illnesses, and develop skills for effective patient communication.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
8 readingsβ€’Total 45 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’5 minutes
  • Symptoms of Anxietyβ€’5 minutes
  • The Cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical Loop and the Generation of Worryβ€’4 minutes
  • Physical Illnesses Associated with Anxietyβ€’5 minutes
  • When to Consider Antidepressants for Anxiety Disordersβ€’6 minutes
  • Side Effects of Benzodiazepinesβ€’5 minutes
  • Azaspironesβ€’4 minutes
  • Treatment and Management of Anxiety Subtypesβ€’11 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Anxiety Disorders: Treatment and Neurobiologyβ€’16 minutes

This module delves into the neurobiological foundations of substance misuse, reviews pharmacological and psychosocial treatment strategies for alcohol and drug dependence, and emphasizes effective patient communication and individualized care. Learners will explore real-world scenarios to apply critical thinking in managing complex cases of substance use disorders.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
10 readingsβ€’Total 62 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’6 minutes
  • The Dopamine Theory of Rewardβ€’5 minutes
  • The Treatment of Substance Use Disordersβ€’4 minutes
  • Alcoholβ€’7 minutes
  • Alcohol Detoxificationβ€’5 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’6 minutes
  • Disulfiramβ€’4 minutes
  • Care and Management of Drug Abuse and Dependenceβ€’5 minutes
  • Opiatesβ€’9 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’11 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Substance Use Disorder Management and Treatmentβ€’16 minutes

This module examines the causes, types, and management strategies for adverse drug reactions, with a focus on psychotropic medications. Learners will explore real-world case studies, assess side effect profiles, and develop approaches for both routine and emergency scenarios. The module also covers specific side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and hematological complications.

What's included

1 video11 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
11 readingsβ€’Total 63 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’8 minutes
  • The Management of Psychotropic Side Effectsβ€’5 minutes
  • Negative Therapeutic Reaction and Experienceβ€’4 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’6 minutes
  • Extrapyramidal Side Effects and Their Managementβ€’5 minutes
  • Tardive Dyskinesiaβ€’6 minutes
  • Activity: Critical Thinkingβ€’5 minutes
  • Haematological and Hepatic Effectsβ€’4 minutes
  • Sedationβ€’6 minutes
  • Postural Hypotensionβ€’5 minutes
  • Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)β€’9 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Medicine Safety and Side Effect Managementβ€’16 minutes

Instructor

Sage Publications
28 Coursesβ€’175 learners

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