Depression and Suicide

Although contact with the primary care setting represents a potential opportunity for timely identification and intervention, abundant evidence indicates that many patients with depression are inadequately diagnosed and treated in these settings. The purpose of this course is to provide the information and encouragement necessary to allow primary care providers to properly diagnose, treat, and follow-up with patients with depression. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Outline the epidemiology of depression and suicide.

2. Identify populations at increased risk for depression.

3. Describe the natural history and pathophysiology of depression.

4. Evaluate the signs and symptoms of depression utilizing appropriate screening tools.

5. Employ the appropriate diagnostic criteria for depression, including modifier subtypes.

6. Assess patients for depressive signs and symptoms, with particular attention to unique features in special populations.

7. Identify other conditions that can mimic or co-occur with depression.

8. Create a treatment plan for patients diagnosed with depression.

9. Compare pharmacotherapies and psychosocial therapies used in the treatment of depression.

10. Assess patients' reactions to depression treatments and identify treatment-resistance depression.

11. Recognize and appropriately treat perinatal depression.

12. Review the epidemiology of suicide.

13. Describe the impact of suicide in the treatment of special populations, including among the elderly.

14. Identify risk and protective factors for suicide.

15. Evaluate tools available for the assessment and evaluation of suicide risk.


This 15-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.