Why I Want To Be A Nurse—2-Page Essay

Why I Want To Be A Nurse 2 Pages Essaynurs 5315advanced Pathophysiolo

Create an electronic poster using the power point template which has been provided for you. Be creative with the design of your electronic poster. To complete the poster you will choose a psychiatric diagnosis from the list below. The poster must include the following information:

  • Title/Heading, Presenter’s name
  • Etiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pathobiology (pathogenesis)
  • Clinical Manifestations
  • Treatment
  • Current research related to the pathobiology (pathogenesis)
  • Current research related to the treatment
  • Discussion (Answer the following question): How can the care provided by an advanced practice nurse minimize this population’s morbidity and optimize their functionality?
  • Reference list

Once you have completed the electronic poster on the power point template you will need to save it as a PDF.

Please submit the PDF via blackboard for grading AND post it in the discussion board by Wednesday at 11:59pm (CST) on week 10. Late submissions will not be accepted and will be assigned a grade of zero.

List of diagnoses include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Bulimia
  • Major Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Alcohol Addiction
  • Cocaine Addiction
  • Heroin Addiction
  • Opioid Addiction
  • General Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Post-Partum Depression
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Somatization Disorder
  • Personality Disorder
  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Autistic Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • Conversion Disorder
  • Hypochondriasis
  • Multiple Personality Disorder

Plagiarism is prohibited. Any assignment determined to have been plagiarized will be given a zero and the student reported for academic dishonesty. Copying your answers from your textbooks, journal articles, any website or any source is considered plagiarism. All of your work should be in your own words, paraphrased and properly referenced. Using quoted sentences is not acceptable. Points will be deducted for violations.

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper explores the etiology, epidemiology, pathobiology, clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, current research, and the role of advanced practice nurses in managing Major Depression. This comprehensive overview aims to inform future nursing practitioners on how best to care for individuals affected by this debilitating psychiatric disorder, with a focus on minimizing morbidity and enhancing functionality.

Introduction

Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a pervasive mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. It exerts significant burden not only on individuals but also on healthcare systems worldwide. As nurses play a critical role in mental health care, understanding the complex mechanisms and current advancements related to depression is essential. This paper will delve into the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, therapy options, research trends, and nursing implications associated with major depression.

Etiology of Major Depression

The etiology of major depression is multifactorial, involving genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetic predisposition accounts for approximately 40-50% of cases, with numerous studies indicating familial links (Kendler et al., 2001). Neurochemical imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis (Schildkraut, 1965). Environmental stressors such as trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and chronic stress also contribute significantly, often triggering genetic vulnerabilities (Kessler et al., 2003). Psychological factors, including personality traits like neuroticism, may predispose individuals to depression (Lam et al., 2003).

Epidemiology of Major Depression

Major depression affects approximately 5-7% of the adult population globally each year, with lifetime prevalence rates approximately 15-20% (World Health Organization, 2017). It is more common in women than men, with a gender ratio of about 2:1, attributed to hormonal, social, and psychological differences (Kuehner, 2017). It often coexists with other medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and anxiety disorders, complicating management (Moussavi et al., 2007). The onset is common in late adolescence to early adulthood, but it can occur at any age. The economic burden associated with depression is substantial, including healthcare costs and lost productivity (Greenberg et al., 2015).

Pathobiology of Major Depression

The pathogenesis of major depression involves a complex interplay of neurobiological alterations. Key pathological steps include dysregulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neuroinflammation, neuroplasticity deficits, and structural brain changes.

Neurotransmitter dysfunction, especially deficits in serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems, correlates with mood symptoms (Holmes & Puri, 2014). Chronic stress induces hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in excess cortisol levels that damage hippocampal neurons, impairing memory and emotional regulation (Yehuda et al., 2006). Neuroinflammation involving cytokines like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha further influences neurotransmitter pathways and neuroplasticity (Dantzer et al., 2008). Structural neuroimaging studies have reported reduced volume in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in depressed patients, reflecting neurodegeneration (Videbech & Ravnkilde, 2004). These pathophysiological changes contribute to the clinical manifestations observed in depression.

Clinical Manifestations

Clinical features of major depression include persistent sadness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal ideation. Additional symptoms may include psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and physical complaints such as aches and pains. The diagnosis is based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5, requiring at least five symptoms present nearly every day for a minimum of two weeks, causing significant impairment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Treatment Modalities

Management of major depression primarily involves pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, remain first-line medications due to their efficacy and tolerability (Gartlehner et al., 2017). Other options include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and atypical agents. Psychotherapy approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective adjuncts, especially in mild to moderate cases (Cuijpers et al., 2013). In cases resistant to initial treatments, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or newer modalities like ketamine infusion are considered (Drevets et al., 2008). Effectiveness varies based on individual factors, but combined therapy offers the best outcomes for many patients (Hollon et al., 2014).

Current Research on Pathobiology

Recent research advances focus on neuroinflammation's role in depression. A study by Liu et al. (2020) highlights that elevated cytokines contribute to neurotransmitter dysregulation and neuroplasticity deficits, suggesting anti-inflammatory agents as potential future therapies. Additionally, epigenetic modifications are under investigation, revealing how environmental factors influence gene expression related to depression (Rao et al., 2021). Novel insights into neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity mechanisms are also being explored to develop more targeted treatments.

Current Research on Treatment

Emerging treatments aim to address treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has shown rapid antidepressant effects, with studies indicating changes in glutamate neurotransmission and synaptic connectivity (Zarate et al., 2016). Similarly, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is gaining attention for its potential to facilitate neural plasticity and emotional processing (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018). Researchers are also exploring the utility of anti-inflammatory drugs and microbiome-targeted therapies to modulate neuroinflammation in depression (Silver et al., 2021).

Discussion

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are integral to optimizing care for patients with major depression. They can provide early identification and intervention through screening and assessment, ensuring timely treatment initiation. APNs foster therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, promoting adherence and engagement in treatment plans (Norcross et al., 2011). They also educate patients about medication management, side effects, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise and diet, which can influence neurobiological pathways (Hariton et al., 2020). Incorporating evidence-based psychotherapy and monitoring treatment response allows APNs to tailor interventions effectively. Culturally competent care approaches help address stigma and barriers to treatment, especially in vulnerable populations. By adopting a holistic, patient-centered approach, APNs can significantly reduce morbidity, prevent relapse, and enhance functionality.

Conclusion

Major depression is a complex disorder rooted in a multifaceted biological and environmental background. Advances in understanding its neurobiology have led to novel therapeutic options, offering hope for better outcomes. The role of advanced practice nurses is vital in ensuring early detection, comprehensive management, and continuous support for individuals suffering from depression. Through sustained education, advocacy, and evidence-based interventions, APNs can profoundly influence recovery trajectories, reduce the societal and personal burden of depression, and improve quality of life.

References

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