Back to Basics: Brain Pathways, Neurotransmitters and Practical Case Discussions in Pediatric Mental Health

This continuing education activity is a recorded presentation for NAPNAP's 2026 National Conference.
This presentation explores the foundational neurobiology of pediatric mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and ADHD. It examines the physiology and pathophysiology of neurotransmitters and brain pathways to better understand symptom presentation and treatment response. Literature and clinical experience highlight the challenges providers face in matching symptoms with appropriate pharmacologic treatments due to the complexity of neurotransmitter systems. Through interactive, case-based learning, the presentation provides practical, high-yield takeaways to enhance clinical decision-making and patient care.
The course will award 0.75 contact hours, including 0.75 hours of pharmacology content and 0.75 hours of psychopharmacology content. This activity is offered at a reduced rate to NAPNAP Members. This continuing education activity rate is $7.50 for NAPNAP Members, and $15 for non-members. This continuing education activity rate is $7.50 for NAPNAP Members, and $15 for non-members.

This archived presentation from our 2026 national conference is available as part of a bundle of courses recorded during our 2026 conference in Pittsburgh. Purchase the conference bundle and select five of the 2026 conference sessions archived and save. 

The 2026 conference bundle is offered at a member-only discounted rate of $45. Non-members may purchase this bundle for $90. Great news - You can join NAPNAP before purchasing to save. To see the complete listing of courses available for selection in the 2026 conference bundle, click here.

Please note that this program is a recording from a live session from NAPNAP 2026 national conference in Pittsburgh. If you earned CE for this session, this course will be a duplicate.

IMPORTANT: You must be logged in using your NAPNAP Username and Password to be recognized as a Member of NAPNAP. If you are a current member of NAPNAP, and you are being asked to purchase this activity, please contact the NAPNAP National Office at (877) 662-7627 to request assistance prior to entering any payment information.    

Participants are forbidden to reproduce, republish, redistribute, or resell this course in any other form. For copyright-related questions, please email your question to: [email protected]

Copyright 2026 © by National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses.

Learning Objectives

  • Define key neurotransmitters and their roles in pediatric mental health conditions.
  • Describe major brain regions involved in depression, anxiety and ADHD.
  • Identify how pathophysiologic changes in neurotransmitter systems affect behavior and symptoms.
  • Apply foundational knowledge to case-based scenarios for improved clinical decision-making.
  • Recognize how understanding brain pathways can guide both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.75 Contact hours
Course opens: 
07/01/2026
Course expires: 
06/30/2028
Cost:
$7.50
Part of: 
2026 National Conference on Pediatric Health Care Bundle
Rating: 
0

Amanda Esperas, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC

Ann Guthery, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC

There are no disclosures to report

 

 

Available Credit

  • 0.75 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$7.50
Please login or register to take this course.