Biology in Mental Illness

This module gives particular focus to biological interventions used to manage and alleviate symptoms of common mental illnesses and their effects and implications for the service user. The neurobiology of mental illness will be explored to explicate the role of neurotransmitters in relation to mental health and treatment approaches for mental illness. Treatments explored will include pharmaceutical approaches, ECT (including MHC rules) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Light therapy. Pharmacotherapy relating to mental ill health will also be explored, as will medication management and the associated professional guidance (NMBI, HIQA). This module will also look at symptomology, diagnostic criteria, prognosis and therapeutic management of common mental disorders including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the neurobiological theory of mental illness.

2. Describe the signs and symptoms, epidemiology of common mental health disorders.

3. Explore the clinical presentation of persons with a common mental illness.

4. Identify and describe treatment approaches for managing common mental disorders.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of women’s mental health through the lifespan, particularly perinatal mental health.

6. Explain the pharmaceutical approaches used to treat common mental illnesses and their effects.

7. Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and competence relating to medication administration, including the NMBI Guidance for Registered Nurses and Midwives on Medication Administration (2020). 

8. Describe the process involved in preparing the service user for ECT and their nursing care before, during and after ECT treatment.