Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD affects one in 54 children. ASD is more common in boys than girls. In the past ASD were classified as autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Combination of medication and therapy is important to assist a patient with ASD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 13.3% of teens ages 12 to 17 had a least one major depressive episode. 20% of females and 6.8% of males ages 12-17 suffered a depressive episode which is about 3.2 million American teens.

Suicide is a major public health concern. According to the CDC, in 2018 suicide is the 10th leading cause of death that had claimed the lives of over 48,000.

Delirium is a common clinical syndrome usually caused by a physical illness or by a general medical condition, drugs, substance intoxication or alcohol withdrawal, and other multiple etiologies. Delirium is a serious disturbance where 30% of older adult patients may experience delirium during a hospitalization. 10-50% of patients post surgery patients may experience delirium as well.

Military Sexual Trauma are experiences of sexual assault that occurs to those who serve. The continuum of harm starts as jokes, demeaning comments, harassment to sexual assault. These experiences may increase the risks of a service member for anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance and alcohol abuse. Many service member may learn to cope from past experience of MST.

Currently, there are 1.3 million Active Duty service members, 800,000 Ready Reserve Forces, and 17.4 million veterans. You will have the honor as a Nurse Practitioner, to be caring for our Veterans. They have very different experiences from your patients in the civilian population. Thank them for their military service. As a provider, let us encourage them to continue to lead and serve in their communities.

Complex PTSD are caused by traumatic events that may start early in childhood from abandonment, neglect, physical, emotional, sexual abuse. The abuse may continue through the teen years and into adulthood. Those with complex trauma may have difficulties with their cognition, emotions, behaviors, interpersonal relationships and may be very somatic. Patients with complex trauma will need intense support from a multidisciplinary team from both the Medicine and Psychiatry.

Bipolar Disorder also know. As manic-depressive disorder has dramatic mood shifts that affects 2.8% of men and women equally. Patients with Bipolar Disorder may also have comorbid disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse disorder and ADHD. In the acute states, it is critical that patient safety is assessed when the patient is suicidal, manic and uses substance that may impair judgement. Patients in this state may warrant an acute inpatient hospitalization.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. About 8.8% of children and 4.4% of adults have ADHD. Educate your patients about the importance of medication and treatment compliance. Refer your patients to therapy as well. Collaborate and advocate for your patients with accommodations and other alternative approaches in the treatment of ADHD.

Many women experience the “baby blues” after giving birth. “Baby blues” are very common. Postpartum depression extends beyond the two weeks after childbirth that is more severe and some may develop psychosis. Some women may have thoughts of suicide or harming their baby and may need hospitalization. Education is important during pregnancy. Give your patients the tools on and collaborate with your patients in the management of Postpartum Depression.