This pocket guide for psychiatric nursing diagnoses presents information in an easy to access format. Designed according to DSM-IV classification of mental disorders, each entry is accompanied by a brief description, lab findings, assessment and medical treatment. Coverage includes nurse-patient communication and the therapeutic relationship, fundamentals of psychiatric assessment, the most current psychotropic drugs, major nursing interventions, and the major categories of mental illness for selected DSM-IV diagnostic groups. For each major disorder the text presents definition, symptoms, description, incidence, course, contributing factors, lab and physical findings, special assessment considerations, and treatment. Nursing diagnoses are provided per diagnostic category, with outcome criteria and nursing intervention and rationale. Special areas of interest include community-based treatment programmes, outcomes-based nursing care, the most current psychotropic therapy, and rationale for every nursing intervention.