Questions and answers for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse

Because of the importance of maintaining current knowledge of technological advances involving genetics, neuroscience, and their impact on psychopharmacology, we have created a new column for advanced practice psychiatric nurses. This new column offers a question-and-answer forum that can help nurses maintain their knowledge of advances in prescribing and psychopharmacology, and implications for safe psychiatric care. Deborah Antai-Otong has a wealth of knowledge and expertise with prescriptive authority and as a psychotherapist. She currently manages the care of patients with various psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, schizophrenia, dual diagnosis, and anxiety disorders. She is the author of numerous refereed journal articles and book chapters that focus on psychopharmacology and is a guest lecturer at a local university on this topic. She is also the author of several books, including Psychiatric Nursing: Biological and Behavioral Concepts (Clifton Park, NY: Delmar & Thompson Learning, 2003) and Psychiatric Emergencies (Eau Claire, WI: PESI, 2001).