The use of challenge studies in biobehavioral nursing research

With the rapid growth of biotechnology, developments in psychopharmacology, and advances in the understanding of biobehavioral relationships, psychiatric nursing is presented with exciting new opportunities for research related to clinical practice. Although challenge strategies have been developed largely within the medical subspecialties, this article describes the application of pharmacological challenge testing to assist in the understanding of biobehavioral relationships pertinent to psychiatric nursing. This article presents examples of challenge strategies and their relevance to clinical practice. The use of the challenge method in psychiatric nursing research and future directions are discussed.