Update on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Glutamate: A PMHNP Single Case Study Report of a Diagnostically Complex Adult Patient, Interventions, and Unexpected Outcomes.

Objective: While dysfunction of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters has been studied in depth, in regard to the etiology of mental illness, the neurotransmitter glutamate and its dysfunction is now being explored as contributing to neurodegenerative psychiatric diseases, schizophrenia, autism, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. This article explains its synthesis, neurotransmission, and metabolism within the brain and subsequent dysfunction that is responsible for neurocognitive loss associated with several psychiatric disorders.

Method: The case study will report on the screening for pseudobulbar affective (PBA) disorder in a 29-year-old male with bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual developmental disability who was experiencing extreme, uncontrolled emotional outbursts requiring continuous family isolation (pre-COVID-19) for safety.

Treatment Adherence in Youth with First-Episode Psychosis: Impact of Family Support and Telehealth Delivery.

Mental health-care delivery to young people with first-episode schizophrenia presents significant challenges especially in underserved areas. This chart review reveals the importance of family support as a predictor for medication and treatment adherence with this vulnerable group. An unexpected disengagement rate of 47% was discovered.