J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Effects of Sensory Room Interventions on Vagal Function in Individuals With Depression: A Randomized Crossover Trial.
Otsuka H, Irie K, Takebuchi R … +1 more , Inadomi H
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41914378 · Publisher ↗
Sensory rooms, widely used in psychiatric care, offer customizable environments designed to enhance comfort and reduce distress. Although our previous research demonstrated that sensory room use was associated with incre...
Sensory rooms, widely used in psychiatric care, offer customizable environments designed to enhance comfort and reduce distress. Although our previous research demonstrated that sensory room use was associated with increased vagal activity in healthy individuals, its physiological effects in individuals with depression remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of a sensory room intervention on autonomic function and psychological outcomes in adults with depression. Twenty adults with depression participated in a randomized crossover trial. Each participant completed two 30-min sessions-sensory room use and static seated activities-in a counterbalanced order. Resting vagal activity, vagal reactivity to auditory stimulation, subjective discomfort, mood states, and interoceptive awareness were assessed before and after each session. Vagal indices were derived from respiratory sinus arrhythmia, a heart rate variability measure reflecting parasympathetic cardiac control. Mood was assessed with the Profile of Mood States, Second Edition, and interoceptive awareness with the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness. Compared to static activities, the sensory room significantly increased resting vagal activity and reduced vagal reactivity to auditory stimuli, indicating enhanced autonomic stability. Although no significant differences were found in subjective discomfort or negative mood states, several aspects of interoceptive awareness, including the Not-Worrying subscale, showed significant improvement following sensory room use. These findings suggest that sensory rooms may help regulate vagal function and support sensory modulation in individuals with depression, providing a non-pharmacological approach to enhance autonomic regulation and body awareness in psychiatric care.
Enhancing Canada's National Suicide Prevention Plan: Key Recommendations.
Mete R
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41913589 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a significant public health crisis in Canada, claiming approximately 4,500 lives annually. Despite decades of localized efforts, Canada remains one of the few G7 nations without a national suicide p...
OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a significant public health crisis in Canada, claiming approximately 4,500 lives annually. Despite decades of localized efforts, Canada remains one of the few G7 nations without a national suicide prevention strategy until 2024. This discussion paper examines Canada's newly launched National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2024-2027) and provides a critique of its structural framework, collaborative mechanisms, and evidence-based approaches. METHODS: The article outlines a brief historical overview of Canada's development of the current National Suicide Prevention Action Plan. A review of the Plan's four strategic pillars, specifically, data and monitoring, research and evaluation, support and services, and governance, reveals both progress and ongoing issues. The plan's equity-focused approach, multisectoral collaboration, and integration of Indigenous perspectives mark notable achievements, whereas data infrastructure gaps, funding uncertainties, and implementation dependencies present ongoing concerns. RESULTS: Drawing on successful Canadian and international policy models and provincial innovations, this paper provides concrete recommendations to strengthen implementation and ensure sustained impact on Canada's persistent suicide rates. CONCLUSION: Canada's National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2024-2027) constitutes a significant federal milestone in addressing a persistent public health concern. However, to further enhance the current plan, specific details on evaluation, assessments, and outcome measures should be included. In addition, collaboration with provincial and territorial organizations that are currently involved in suicide prevention initiatives would strengthen the plan. More tailored approaches to support diverse groups within Canada and Indigenous populations are additional suggested improvements.
Addressing the Barriers That Hinder Research and Scholarship Dissemination: Balancing Evidence-Based Approaches With Feasibility.
Hampton MD
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41911002 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Pharmacogenetic Testing in Patients With Depression: A Quality Improvement Project.
Rockwell JT, Spurlock AY, Outlaw KL
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41904626 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: First-line treatment for major depressive disorders (MDDs) is often antidepressants. These medications are commonly trialed and discontinued due to side effects. Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) allows psychiatr...
BACKGROUND: First-line treatment for major depressive disorders (MDDs) is often antidepressants. These medications are commonly trialed and discontinued due to side effects. Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) allows psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners to assess patient drug metabolism with the goal of reducing medication trials. AIMS: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to examine the impact of PGx on remission rates and clinical outcomes for MDD compared with the standard of care (SOC) in psychiatry. METHOD: Outcomes were measured using a problem status system within the site's electronic health record based on patient self-reports and clinician interpretation. No validated scale was used which represents a methodological limitation to the study. RESULTS: The SOC group had higher remission rates of MDD (38%) compared with PGx (9.8%). The PGx group had a higher occurrence of moderate (24.4%) and severe (17.1%) diagnosis of MDD compared with the SOC group (16% and 8%), respectively. The SOC group had a stable problem status (70%) compared with the PGx group (43.9%). The improving status of PGx was 12.2% compared with SOC at 8%, and the worsening problem status of standard care was 10% compared with PGx at 4.9%. Age did not significantly differ by problem status in the PGx group, = 0.592, = .624. CONCLUSIONS: PGx may offer clinical value for patients with severe depression. Results should be interpreted cautiously, and further studies using validated scales and controlled designs are needed.
Tobacco Treatment Competencies: A Brief Review of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Education.
Adams SB, Geis A, Wasserman J
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41902718 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Tobacco use increases morbidity and mortality among its users. The rate of tobacco use is declining in the general adult population yet is two to three times higher for those experiencing mental health disord...
OBJECTIVES: Tobacco use increases morbidity and mortality among its users. The rate of tobacco use is declining in the general adult population yet is two to three times higher for those experiencing mental health disorders, specifically those with serious mental illness (SMI). Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are well-positioned to treat tobacco use in patients with SMI, yet tobacco training during nursing education, both in amount of time spent and content delivered, is not well understood and can leave PMHNPs ill-prepared to intervene. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to assess PMHNP programs nationwide to determine where tobacco treatment is located in the curriculum, the amount of time spent on tobacco treatment throughout the program, and program directors' general attitude and beliefs about the importance of tobacco treatment related to the scope of practice and impact. RESULTS: Program directors or their representatives responded ( = 34) across all program types. Respondents reported either agreement or strong agreement with the importance of tobacco treatment in PMHNP programs. Most spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours on tobacco treatment, primarily in psychiatric assessment and psychopharmacology courses. Most agreed or strongly agreed that this was within the scope of practice, yet agreement was less when asked about impact on outcomes. CONCLUSION: PMHNP programs have an opportunity to improve perspectives on the impact psychiatric nurse practitioners can have on tobacco treatment outcomes and integrate curricular strategies to robustly integrate tobacco competencies.
Factors Influencing High School Students' Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help.
Chen CL, Chu YH, Pan YJ … +2 more , Ho MS, Chang HJ
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41902658 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Enhancing adolescents' willingness to seek professional psychological help is essential for improving mental health service utilization. Previous research suggests that depression literacy, stigma, depressive...
BACKGROUND: Enhancing adolescents' willingness to seek professional psychological help is essential for improving mental health service utilization. Previous research suggests that depression literacy, stigma, depressive symptoms, and family factors-particularly caregivers' perspectives-play important roles in shaping help-seeking attitudes. However, few studies have simultaneously examined these factors from both adolescents' and caregivers' viewpoints. AIMS: This study aimed to examine how depression literacy, stigma, depressive symptoms, and caregivers' attitudes toward professional psychological help influence adolescents' help-seeking attitudes, while controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with adolescents and their primary caregivers recruited from public and private high schools in northern Taiwan. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, depression literacy, stigma, depressive symptoms, and attitudes toward professional psychological help. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed, adjusting for key sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: After controlling for caregivers' religious beliefs, marital status, and education, as well as adolescents' prior use of mental health services, academic satisfaction, and interpersonal difficulties, the strongest predictors of adolescents' help-seeking attitudes were their depressive symptoms, personal stigma, and caregivers' attitudes toward professional psychological help. CONCLUSION: Adolescents' help-seeking attitudes are shaped by both their own psychological experiences and their caregivers' perspectives. Targeted interventions should prioritize stigma reduction, symptom recognition and management, and caregiver engagement to foster timely and effective help-seeking among adolescents.
Unlocking the Power of Mindfulness to Enhance Tobacco Treatment Training for Health Care Providers.
Brouwer K, Walmsley LA, Koyagi E … +3 more , Robertson H, Abufarsakh B, Okoli CTC
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41885216 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Tobacco cessation remains a challenge for patients in psychiatric settings, with behavioral health care providers (BHCPs) often lacking training in mindfulness-based interventions. This gap may limit BHCPs' a...
OBJECTIVES: Tobacco cessation remains a challenge for patients in psychiatric settings, with behavioral health care providers (BHCPs) often lacking training in mindfulness-based interventions. This gap may limit BHCPs' ability to offer holistic, evidence-based support to patients struggling with tobacco dependence. Experiential Learning Theory underpinned the mindfulness intervention, emphasizing hands-on learning. Through active participation, such as role-playing and discussion, BHCPs developed practical skills to incorporate mindfulness techniques into patient interactions. Incorporating mindfulness education may enhance tobacco treatment (TT) training, potentially improving outcomes for patients with psychiatric challenges. METHODS: A pilot evaluation was conducted on a brief 1-hr online training on mindfulness-based TT strategies. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were used to assess changes in knowledge scores. Post-surveys assessed confidence and intent to apply the learned skills in practice. Changes in knowledge scores were analyzed using paired-sample -tests, and descriptive statistics were used to present results on confidence and intent to apply learned skills scores after the intervention. RESULTS: Of 28 BHCPs attending the training, 18 completed pre- and post-test surveys. Among these, there was an increase in knowledge scores ( = -2.496, = .012) post-intervention. After the intervention, on a scale of 0 to 4, participants ( = 18) rated the intervention as highly effective in supporting their learning ( = 3.57, = 0.59) and also reported moderate levels of confidence ( = 2.87, = 1.06) and high intention ( = 3.70, = 0.55) scores to integrate mindfulness practices to support TT. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the feasibility of a 1-hr mindfulness-based training to change BHCPs' knowledge and support confidence and intention to enhance TT efforts.
A Point Prevalence Study of the Provision of Palliative Care for Adult Inpatients With Mental Health Issues.
Brown J, Martin-Robins D, Cooper A
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41869714 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the palliative care needs of people living with a mental illness and a life-limiting illness. AIMS: To gain an understanding of palliative care need and service utilization in adult inpa...
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the palliative care needs of people living with a mental illness and a life-limiting illness. AIMS: To gain an understanding of palliative care need and service utilization in adult inpatients with mental health issues across a metropolitan area health service in Perth, Western Australia. METHODS: Data were collected at four sites from patient medical records. Adult patients who were admitted at study sites' mental health units were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: In total, 192 patient records were reviewed. Almost one-third of patients (32%, = 61) had at least one condition listed in the Gold Standards Framework, and 30% ( = 18) of these could have potentially benefited from palliative care. There was evidence of one patient receiving some form of palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, there was unmet need for palliative care, especially among older adults. The majority of patients with potential palliative care needs were admitted to older adult mental health wards. There are missed opportunities to provide holistic care to adult inpatients with mental health issues experiencing life-limiting conditions, likely to result in poorer symptom control and reduced quality of life. Approaches to identify and respond to palliative care needs in mental health settings need to be adopted.
Evaluation of Suicidal Behavior in Young Populations: Sociodemographic Factors Associated.
Padín PF, Carbonell Á, Domínguez J … +1 more , Pérez-Martín S
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41865310 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Suicide represents a serious public health issue and lacks a singular, universally accepted definition, which complicates its study and comprehensive prevention. Its prevention requires a multidimensional fra...
BACKGROUND: Suicide represents a serious public health issue and lacks a singular, universally accepted definition, which complicates its study and comprehensive prevention. Its prevention requires a multidimensional framework encompassing individual, social, and structural factors, as the interaction among these elements significantly increases risk. Moreover, its impact varies across sociodemographic contexts, highlighting the need for tailored strategies that address the specific realities of each population. AIMS: This study aimed to examine suicidal behavior among young people and analyze its prevalence in relation to gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, education, employment status, and family relationships. METHODS: The sample consisted of 539 young individuals aged 15 to 30 years ( = 20.64, = 3.61). Participants completed the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised to assess suicidal behavior and provided information on 11 independent variables grouped into sociodemographic, educational, occupational, personal, and familial domains. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted using MANOVA. RESULTS: Most participants exhibited a low risk of suicide; however, nearly 20% showed moderate to high risk levels. Higher vulnerability was observed among women, migrants, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTIQ+) individuals. In addition, adverse family relationships and socioeconomic precarity were associated with increased susceptibility to suicidal behavior, as were personal, educational, occupational, and familial factors. CONCLUSIONS: The findings enhance understanding of suicidal behavior among young people. The results underscore the urgent need for preventive strategies grounded in an intersectional perspective, integrating educational interventions, public welfare policies, and family support initiatives that address the structural inequalities affecting youth mental health.
Proximal Risk of Suicide-Related Behavior in Black Youth With a Parental History of Mood Disorder.
Zelazny J, Porta G, Mann JJ … +5 more , Oquendo MA, Keilp JG, Burke A, Brent DA, Melhem NM
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41855222 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Suicide rates have risen disproportionately in Black youth, yet little is known about risk factors specific to this population. AIMS: We sought to identify proximal risk factors for suicide-related behavior (...
BACKGROUND: Suicide rates have risen disproportionately in Black youth, yet little is known about risk factors specific to this population. AIMS: We sought to identify proximal risk factors for suicide-related behavior (SRB) in a sample of Black youth at high risk for mood disorders. METHODS: The sample, drawn from a longitudinal study, included 156 Black youth aged 17 years or younger at baseline. Participants underwent baseline diagnostic and clinical assessment, including suicidal ideation and SRB, and yearly assessments for new SRB. Observations were censored at the time point closest to the first episode of SRB or the last observation for those without SRB. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and Firth logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Twelve participants experienced SRB during follow-up. The average age of participants at baseline was 12.6 years ( = 2.7). Participants were 44% female and 10% identified as Hispanic. Self-reported irritability, aggression, suicidal ideation, and a depression diagnosis were significant at the univariate level. Medium to large effect sizes were found for self-reported impulsive aggression, parental substance use disorder, and childhood abuse, all consistent with prior reports to be associated with SRB in youth. Using Firth logistic regression, younger age ( = -.60; = .001) and depression diagnosis ( = 2.32, = .006) were proximal risk indicators of SRB. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors identified in this study are consistent with previous reports in majority White samples. A depression diagnosis was the strongest indicator, highlighting the importance of early identification of depression in Black youth, particularly in younger youth with a family history of mood disorder.
The Imperative for Explicit Clinical Reasoning in the Era of a Living DSM.
Zakhari R
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41803058 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Causation and Burnout Among Correctional Nurses.
Parker KC, Welch TD, Cody S
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41789711 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Burnout among correctional nurses is a growing concern, with 50% to 62% reporting symptoms and intent to leave their positions. This occupational phenomenon, marked by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustio...
OBJECTIVE: Burnout among correctional nurses is a growing concern, with 50% to 62% reporting symptoms and intent to leave their positions. This occupational phenomenon, marked by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, stems from chronic workplace stress and is exacerbated in correctional environments due to overcrowding, perceived threats of violence, and limited autonomy. This study aimed to assess environmental contributors to burnout among nurses located in a southeastern U.S. county correctional facility. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design and the Maslach Burnout Inventory paired with the Areas of Work life Survey, the study evaluated six domains of workplace stressors. RESULTS: Of 22 eligible participants, 45% completed the survey. Contrary to prior findings, nurses reported feeling safe and having adequate time to complete tasks. However, low scores in workplace relationships, recognition, and fairness suggest systemic issues. These findings highlight the need for leadership training, improved reward systems, and policy reforms to foster healthier work environments. CONCLUSION: Addressing organizational culture is critical to improving nurse well-being, retention, and patient outcomes. This study contributes to the limited literature on correctional nurse burnout and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to reduce stress and enhance job satisfaction in secure care settings.
Evaluating Telehealth and In-Person Appointment Adherence Using Reminder Phone Calls in the Outpatient Psychiatric Setting.
Stephens K, Phillips KE
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Mar · PMID 41776994 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Missing outpatient psychiatric care could lead to decompensation and hospitalization. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement reminder phone calls in the outpatient psychiatric settin...
OBJECTIVES: Missing outpatient psychiatric care could lead to decompensation and hospitalization. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement reminder phone calls in the outpatient psychiatric setting and measure the impact on appointment adherence. METHODS: Reminder phone calls were provided by three clinic staff to patients the day before their scheduled appointment during a 9-week intervention period. Due to seasonal appointment attendance variation, attendance during the 9-week period was compared to the same 9-week period the year prior. RESULTS: A total of 837 appointments were evaluated, and 16.25% resulted in missed appointments. In-person no-show percentages were different from 1 year to the next, while telehealth no-show percentages were not. The overall no-show rate for in-person visits was 21.39%, while telehealth was 12.63%. CONCLUSION: There may be many reasons for a missed appointment, with forgetting an appointment being only one of them. Despite a reminder phone call, appointment attendance did not significantly improve. Providers may want to consider flexible scheduling from in-person to telehealth appointments as a way to improve attendance, given that telehealth appointment attendance is higher and may eliminate transportation concerns. Future studies should evaluate flexible scheduling as well as multi-pronged interventions that address several reasons for non-attendance.
Nursing Students' Perceptions of Small-Group Standardized Patient Simulations to Enhance Therapeutic Communication Skills.
Kameg B, Lepore M, Matthews E … +1 more , Mitchell A
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41723805 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic communication is essential to nursing practice, yet many pre-licensure nursing students report discomfort applying these skills in clinical settings. Standardized patient (SP) simulation offers a c...
OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic communication is essential to nursing practice, yet many pre-licensure nursing students report discomfort applying these skills in clinical settings. Standardized patient (SP) simulation offers a controlled environment for practicing communication, yet qualitative research describing students' perceptions of these experiences remains limited. This study explored undergraduate nursing students' perspectives on small-group, communication-focused SP simulations within a psychiatric-mental health nursing course. METHODS: As part of a larger program evaluation, six in-person focus groups were conducted with 47 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students following participation in two series of SP simulations across nine scenarios. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis. An audit trail and team debriefing supported rigor and consistency. RESULTS: Three themes emerged. First, students reported that SP simulations increased their comfort and confidence in therapeutic communication, providing a safe space to practice navigating emotionally charged conversations and building rapport. Second, the simulations evoked ambiguity regarding the psychiatric-mental health nurse's role, as students struggled to differentiate therapeutic communication from psychotherapy and acknowledged real-world time constraints that limit such interactions. Third, students identified high-quality, instructive feedback, particularly during debriefing, as essential to learning and expressed a desire for more structured guidance from SPs and faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Communication-focused SP simulations effectively enhance therapeutic communication skills among pre-licensure nursing students. To optimize learning, faculty should intentionally clarify nursing role boundaries and strengthen debriefing structures. Findings highlight the importance of targeted feedback and instructional support in maximizing the educational value of SP-based simulation.
Searching About Suicide and Crisis Hotlines Online: A Temporal and Geospatial Infodemiological Analysis.
Cleofas JV
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Feb · PMID 41723105 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Suicide remains a leading global public health concern, and crisis hotlines are a critical preventive intervention. However, there is a paucity in studies about how population-level digital information-seekin...
BACKGROUND: Suicide remains a leading global public health concern, and crisis hotlines are a critical preventive intervention. However, there is a paucity in studies about how population-level digital information-seeking behaviors for suicide and crisis hotlines evolve across time and countries. AIMS: This study aimed to (1) examine temporal trends and seasonality of global Google searches for "Suicide" and "Crisis Hotline," (2) analyze their temporal associations through cross-lagged correlations, and (3) identify country clusters based on all-time relative search volumes (RSVs). METHOD: Monthly global RSVs (2004-2025) and country-level all-time RSVs were extracted from Google Trends. Time-series analyses included Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess (STL) decomposition, Kruskal-Wallis tests for seasonality, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) forecasting, Pearson correlations, and cross-lagged correlations of raw and detrended series. -means clustering was applied to country-level data. RESULTS: Suicide searches showed persistent baseline levels with spikes in 2009-2010, 2014, 2017-2018, and 2020-2021. Crisis hotline searches rose sharply from the late 2010s, accelerating during the COVID-19 period. Seasonality was significant for suicide but not for hotlines. Cross-lagged analysis showed a +22-month raw lag ( = .22) that disappeared after detrending, leaving only a contemporaneous association ( = .31). Four global clusters highlighted disparities in suicide versus crisis hotline interest. CONCLUSION: Google Trends can serve as a proxy for real-time public demand for suicide prevention resources. Findings emphasize the need for agile, context-sensitive strategies to strengthen hotline visibility and accessibility globally.
The Experience of Depression, Self-Efficacy, and Family Functioning Among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study [Formula: see text].
Jackson SZ, Souders MC, Pinto-Martin JA … +2 more , Boyd RC, Deatrick JA
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41689833 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report significantly more depressive symptoms, lower maternal self-efficacy, and worse family functioning than mothers of neurotypical children and chil...
BACKGROUND: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report significantly more depressive symptoms, lower maternal self-efficacy, and worse family functioning than mothers of neurotypical children and children with Down Syndrome. There is a need to describe what contributes to high self-efficacy and high family functioning among mothers of children with ASD. AIM: To understand how mothers of children with ASD describe their emotions, maternal self-efficacy, and family functioning, comparing mothers who screen positive and negative for symptoms of depression. METHODS: In this second phase of a larger sequential explanatory mixed methods study, this qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured individual interviews with mothers of children with ASD. The data were analyzed by hybrid directed content analysis for a presentation of themes. Those themes were then compared across three groups: mothers who screened positive for depression, mothers who screened negative, and mothers whose screening results changed over time. RESULTS: Mothers in the group who screened positive for depression described more child behaviors perceived as problematic, higher caretaking demands, maternal self-efficacy dependent on child's progress and comparisons to others, more passive coping, and poor family communication. CONCLUSION: Interventions to improve family processes and maternal self-efficacy may be an important complement to individual therapy for treating maternal depression. Intervening at the family level as soon as the child is diagnosed may also help mitigate maternal depressive symptoms. More research is necessary to understand and develop interventions that can improve the experiences of mothers of children with ASD.
The Journey to Resilience-Informed Care: Improving Care Through Wellness.
Neal AM
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41689829 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Facing the Silent Crisis: Suicidal Ideation and Suicide in the Nursing Profession.
Schutz AM, McKee S, Clements PT
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 Feb · PMID 41670005 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This manuscript explores the silent yet urgent crisis of suicidal ideation and suicide within the nursing profession. Despite being one of the most trusted and essential health care roles, nurses face disprop...
BACKGROUND: This manuscript explores the silent yet urgent crisis of suicidal ideation and suicide within the nursing profession. Despite being one of the most trusted and essential health care roles, nurses face disproportionately high risks for psychological distress, moral injury, and suicide. AIMS: The paper aims to synthesize existing evidence on prevalence, risk factors, and theoretical frameworks to guide prevention and intervention efforts, while emphasizing the critical need for trauma-informed, organizational, and policy-level responses. METHODS: Using Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, the Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) model, and trauma-informed care (TIC) principles, the manuscript illustrates how feelings of burdensomeness, thwarted belonging, and exposure to trauma converge to elevate suicide risk. RESULTS: Key contributing factors to nurse suicide include chronic occupational stress, compassion fatigue, workplace bullying, moral distress, and limited autonomy, all compounded by a pervasive stigma around mental health help-seeking. A poignant case study underscores how institutional silence and lack of systemic support following medical errors can lead to devastating outcomes. Barriers such as fear of licensure consequences and lack of confidential services further discourage early intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The suicide crisis among nurses necessitates a comprehensive, multi-level response. Nurse leaders must foster psychologically safe environments, promote peer support, and integrate mental health education into all levels of practice. System-level changes-such as confidential reporting systems, national suicide surveillance, licensure reform, and culturally competent outreach-are essential to prevent further loss. Future research must examine longitudinal risk trajectories, intervention efficacy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven early warning tools tailored to the nursing workforce.
Postpartum Depression: Effects of Access to Information on Treatment Preferences in Spanish Population.
Peral-Cabrera B, Pardo-Cebrián R, Serrador-Diez C
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41588639 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: There are a number of effective treatment options available to women with postpartum depression (PPD). However, women often do not receive information about such options to help them make an informed choice....
BACKGROUND: There are a number of effective treatment options available to women with postpartum depression (PPD). However, women often do not receive information about such options to help them make an informed choice. AIMS: To determine the treatment preferences of women with PPD in Spain, to explore how exposure to evidence-based information influences these preferences, and to analyze whether these preferences are attended to by health professionals. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-post survey study was designed, using an online questionnaire including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and questions on treatment preferences, depression history, and access to therapeutic information. The sample consisted of 1146 women aged 19-52 years who had given birth in the last year, selected by nonprobability sampling. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (with access to evidence-based information on treatments for PPD) and a control group (no information). Most participants preferred psychotherapy. RESULTS: Access to information did not change the preference for psychotherapy but increased the inclination toward antidepressants. The severity of PPD did not influence the choice of combined treatment. More than half of the diagnosed patients did not receive detailed information from the National Health Service (NHS), and their preferences were not taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a need for improved primary care training, increased psychotherapeutic resources, and the development of digital tools to improve access to PPD treatment.
Perceptions of Undergraduate Students Portraying Simulated Participants in Mental Health Nursing Simulations.
Zwilling E, Harrison P, Gregory K
J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc · 2026 · PMID 41548133 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: High-fidelity simulations are valuable for teaching mental health concepts in undergraduate nursing programs and are most effective when programs collaborate with stimulated participants (SPs) to maximize rea...
BACKGROUND: High-fidelity simulations are valuable for teaching mental health concepts in undergraduate nursing programs and are most effective when programs collaborate with stimulated participants (SPs) to maximize realism. AIM: Examine the perceptions of student SPs in mental health nursing simulations. METHOD: The pilot study was conducted at a rural mid-sized university in the Midwest with five pre-health students and seven theater majors or minors who served as SPs in undergraduate nursing mental health simulations. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive design, responses were analyzed thematically to identify patterns across participant perspectives. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent ( = 9) stated that this experience affected their own mental health. All five pre-health students reported gaining empathy for patients with mental health issues. CONCLUSION: The mental health of student SPs may be affected by learning cases and portraying a mental health patient. Careful attention is needed to maintain the psychological safety of all SPs, and de-roling and debriefing are essential. SPs need to feel supported to opt out of potential triggering experiences and encouraged to reach out for support if they are having difficulty.
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