The premise of this article is that the major conceptual approach to mental
health in the 21st century is grounded in molecular biology. We introduce
and discuss three aspects of molecular biology: the concept of neuroplastic
ity with attention to kindling and the sensitization effect, the effects of
life events on brain and behavior, and the interaction of genes and the en
vironment. Subsequent to each of these sections we include a discussion of
the implications that these ideas have to nursing practice. In view of the
implications that molecular biology has for psychiatric nursing research an
d practice, we conclude with a call for a re-conceptualization of the psych
iatric mental health nursing enterprise and the need for a conceptual model
that is comprehensive, integrative, and dynamic. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B
. Saunders Company.