Scientific Sessions

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing plays a pivotal role in promoting psychological well-being, preventing mental health disorders, and providing specialized care to individuals experiencing psychiatric conditions. This nursing discipline integrates evidence-based clinical practices with compassionate, patient-centered approaches to address a wide spectrum of mental health needs—ranging from anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder to schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatric and mental health nurses are trained to perform comprehensive assessments, develop personalized care plans, administer psychotropic medications, and deliver therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, supportive counseling, and crisis intervention. Their scope of practice extends to inpatient psychiatric facilities, community health centers, rehabilitation programs, and primary care settings, ensuring a continuum of care that supports both acute management and long-term recovery. Additionally, these nurses play an important role in health education, helping patients and their families understand mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and promote adherence to treatment plans.

With the rising global burden of mental health disorders and the increasing awareness of the mind–body connection, psychiatric and mental health nursing is evolving to meet new challenges in diverse populations. This includes addressing cultural sensitivities in mental health care, integrating technology-based interventions such as telepsychiatry, and applying trauma-informed practices to improve outcomes. Current research in the field emphasizes early detection, prevention strategies, holistic care models, and interdisciplinary collaboration among psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. In scientific sessions on this subject, discussions often focus on innovative therapeutic techniques, advancements in psychopharmacology, the role of nurses in suicide prevention, and strategies to enhance resilience among vulnerable groups. By combining clinical expertise, empathy, and advocacy, psychiatric and mental health nurses not only contribute to symptom management but also empower individuals to regain independence, improve quality of life, and reintegrate into their communities with dignity and hope.