Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Just a few thoughts having worked in a both a psych unit and a psych hospital (actually a prison for criminally insane), although many years ago, the patients are most interested in overcoming the weight gain connected with antidepressants and the lethargy that they cause, contributing to the weight gain. I also like to make them aware of the increased risk of diabetes with specific antidepressants, another good reason to keep an eye on calories and sugar. Not many people left on Lithium but emphasizing not to restrict sodium. NOTICE: This confidential message/attachment contains information intended for a specific individual(s) and purpose. Any inappropriate use, distribution or copying is strictly prohibited. If received in error, please notify the sender and immediately delete the message. Thank you. Sue Nichols, MS/RD/CDE/CDN To: rd-usa Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 2:07 PM Subject: Psych Hospital  I have recently started working at a psych hospital and am curious what kinds of tips anyone can provide in regards to patient's nutritional status, educational needs etc. So far I have been keeping education very basic due to all they are dealing with mentally. Any specific handouts on meds and nutrition interactions? Any other specific materials that may be helpful (i.e. drug use and nutrition, depression and nutrition)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Dear KatherinS - For starters... You should have a full 'signature' at the end of your email. Full Name & credentials (the minimum). the Booklet (not so booklet anymore) Food-Medication interaction is a must, in my opinion. You could carry around with you till you familiarize yourself with the most commonly used meds in the facility. many psych meds will cause wt gain but new generation of them are less sever and some are even helping with wt loss. This is the most common nutrition related side effects. Some meds will require low Na diet, but it should be your judgment if really required. Good luck on your new job. Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDN A dietitian, not the food police. http://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi " Life is not measured by the number of breath you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. " - Carlin " People don't forget the truth, they just become better in lying " (Revolutionary Road) To: rd-usa From: ksobecky@... Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2011 18:07:53 +0000 Subject: Psych Hospital I have recently started working at a psych hospital and am curious what kinds of tips anyone can provide in regards to patient's nutritional status, educational needs etc. So far I have been keeping education very basic due to all they are dealing with mentally. Any specific handouts on meds and nutrition interactions? Any other specific materials that may be helpful (i.e. drug use and nutrition, depression and nutrition)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Dear KatherinS - For starters... You should have a full 'signature' at the end of your email. Full Name & credentials (the minimum). the Booklet (not so booklet anymore) Food-Medication interaction is a must, in my opinion. You could carry around with you till you familiarize yourself with the most commonly used meds in the facility. many psych meds will cause wt gain but new generation of them are less sever and some are even helping with wt loss. This is the most common nutrition related side effects. Some meds will require low Na diet, but it should be your judgment if really required. Good luck on your new job. Merav Levi, RD, MS, CDN A dietitian, not the food police. http://www.linkedin.com/in/meravlevi " Life is not measured by the number of breath you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. " - Carlin " People don't forget the truth, they just become better in lying " (Revolutionary Road) To: rd-usa From: ksobecky@... Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2011 18:07:53 +0000 Subject: Psych Hospital I have recently started working at a psych hospital and am curious what kinds of tips anyone can provide in regards to patient's nutritional status, educational needs etc. So far I have been keeping education very basic due to all they are dealing with mentally. Any specific handouts on meds and nutrition interactions? Any other specific materials that may be helpful (i.e. drug use and nutrition, depression and nutrition)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Many also abuse alcohol or other substances and food (especially high quality), in general, has been lacking. I often covered (when I worked at a psych facility years ago) very basic nutrition concepts because of the lack of even general knowledge. J. Sheerin, RD Traverse City, MI Psych Hospital I have recently started working at a psych hospital and am curious what kinds of tips anyone can provide in regards to patient's nutritional status, educational needs etc. So far I have been keeping education very basic due to all they are dealing with mentally. Any specific handouts on meds and nutrition interactions? Any other specific materials that may be helpful (i.e. drug use and nutrition, depression and nutrition)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Many also abuse alcohol or other substances and food (especially high quality), in general, has been lacking. I often covered (when I worked at a psych facility years ago) very basic nutrition concepts because of the lack of even general knowledge. J. Sheerin, RD Traverse City, MI Psych Hospital I have recently started working at a psych hospital and am curious what kinds of tips anyone can provide in regards to patient's nutritional status, educational needs etc. So far I have been keeping education very basic due to all they are dealing with mentally. Any specific handouts on meds and nutrition interactions? Any other specific materials that may be helpful (i.e. drug use and nutrition, depression and nutrition)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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