Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 3 March 2010
Psychosocial Adjustments Following Weight Loss Surgery
Diane Grimaldi, PMHCNS, BC; and Deborah Van Etten, PMHCNS, GNP, BC
ABSTRACT
Recent interest in weight loss surgery has increased
dramatically, largely due to the rising prevalence of severe obesity and the
use of less invasive laparoscopic surgical procedures. Physiological
postoperative outcomes are easily measured and have been well documented in the
literature. The impact of weight loss surgery on psychosocial, behavioral, and
psychological function is less clearly understood. Few long-term studies of
postoperative weight loss surgery patients in the literature measure emotional
health and quality of life. This article discusses some of the psychosocial,
behavioral, and psychiatric issues and challenges patients commonly encounter
following weight loss surgery.
AUTHORS
Ms. Grimaldi has a private
psychotherapy/psychopharmacology practice, Belmont and Gloucester, and Ms. Van
Etten is a Nurse Educator, Lawrence Memorial/Regis College, Medford,
Massachusetts.
The authors disclose co-ownership of Weight Loss Surgery
Resources and the distribution of education materials (http://www.wls911.com). The
authors disclose that they have not received research support related to this
article.
Address correspondence to Diane Grimaldi, PMHCNS, BC, 90
Concord Avenue, Suite #2, Belmont, MA 02478; e-mail: dianegrimaldi@wls911.com.
Received: June 18, 2009
Accepted: December 9, 2009
Posted: February 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100202-04
Unawareness as a Barrier to Treatment in Patients with Schizophrenia: A
Conceptual Analysis
V. Jude Forbes, RNC, MSN, FNP-BC
ABSTRACT
This article explores the phenomenon of unawareness in
individuals with schizophrenia. Definitions, individual examples, prevalence
data, suggested causation models, societal costs, and recommended treatment
interventions are reviewed. In addition, strategies specific to advanced
practice nurses who work with patients with severe and persistent mental
illness are discussed.
AUTHORS
Ms. Forbes is Advanced Practice Nursing Psychiatric
Provider, University of Texas Medical Branch, Correctional Managed Care,
Austin, Texas.
The author discloses that she has no significant
financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or
indirectly in this activity, including research support.
The author thanks Cindy Freeman, DrNP, RN, PMHNP,
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Vidette Forbes, RN, MBA,
CPHQ, and Ohiana Torrealday, PhD, University of Texas Medical Branch,
Correctional Managed Care; and Louis De La Cruz.
Address correspondence to V. Jude Forbes, RNC, MSN,
FNP-BC, Advanced Practice Nursing Psychiatric Provider, University of Texas
Medical Branch, Correctional Managed Care, PO Box 140753, Austin, TX 78714;
e-mail: Vaforbes@utmb.edu.
Received: March 30, 2009
Accepted: October 5, 2009
Posted: February 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100202-01
H1N1 Pandemic Planning in a Mental Health Residential Facility
Frances A. Hughes, RN, DNurs, JP, ONZM, FCOMHN(NZ)
ABSTRACT
It is only in the past few years that the mental health
impact of disasters has gained attention in research and planning. This article
provides a perspective of the experience of the H1N1 outbreak in New Zealand
and the response by nurses in a community mental health residential facility.
The key lessons learned were: planning and managing for infectious diseases
should be part of disaster planning, know your clients and your community,
share your knowledge, support the mental health of individuals throughout, and
expect reactions as part of recovery. More research and publications are needed
in this area for nurses to fully support consumers through pandemics in a more
integrated manner.
AUTHORS
Dr. Hughes is Facilitator, World Health Organization,
Pacific Islands Mental Health Network, and Adjunct Professor, University of
Technology-Sydney, Australia, and University of Technology-Auckland, New
Zealand.
The author discloses that she has no significant
financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or
indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Frances A. Hughes, RN, DNurs,
JP, ONZM, FCOMHN(NZ), PO Box 58026, Whitby 5245, New Zealand; e-mail:
Frances.Hughes@clear.net.nz.
Received: July 7, 2009
Accepted: December 9, 2009
Posted: February 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100202-02
