Pediatric Mental Health Guidelines for Nurse Practitioners

Delivers strategic, evidence-based measures for recognizing and treating abnormal behaviors in children in the content of primary care practice Written for practicing pediatric and family nurse practitioners, and PNP and FNP students, this pediatric primary care text expands on the crucial role of the healthcare provider to assess, identify, and intercept potential behavioral health problems. All parents want to see their child become a socially and emotionally healthy adult, but this cannot be the outcome for every family. When children miss their anticipated milestones, parents and the family dynamic is upset—parents question their parenting skills and their ability to raise a socially and emotionally healthy child. The content in this book is built on strategic, evidence-based measures to evaluate and treat behavioral health during each well-child visit across the pediatric life span and restore order to their patients and their families. Behavioral Pediatric Healthcare for Nurse Practitioners is organized by developmental stages: infancy, toddlers, preschool-age, school-age, and adolescence. Each of these stages contains common behavioral problems and details their assessment, screening, intervention, and treatment. Chapters also include measurable standards for behavioral health and special topics in pediatric behavioral health and chronic medical conditions as they impact development. Every section features a case study that fosters critical thinking and demonstrates exemplary practices. Key Features: Focuses on the intercept of development and the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral problems Addresses early identification and treatment of disorders for best outcome Provides proven, case-based strategies for assessment, screening, intervention, and treatment Includes contributions from highly qualified PNPs and PMHSs Highlights cutting-edge research from pediatric primary care experts Presents strategies for working with parents Fosters critical thinking for making a correct diagnosis