Course Overview
This course is designed to equip Nurse Practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and manage patients with depression. Through a comprehensive case study approach, learners will explore effective screening tools, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment options. Emphasis will be placed on developing individualized treatment plans that address the multifaceted nature of depression, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, as well as ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with depression.
- Conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment, including screening tools for depression.
- Apply diagnostic criteria to evaluate a patient’s condition and make a depression diagnosis.
- Develop an individualized treatment plan based on evidence-based guidelines for depression management.
- Understand the role of pharmacological interventions, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
- Incorporate non-pharmacological treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications into treatment plans.
- Monitor patient progress and provide follow-up care to adjust treatment plans as necessary.
Course Duration
Total Time: 4 hours
Time Allocation:
- Module 1: Introduction and Pathophysiology of Depression (30 minutes)
- Module 2: Mental Health Assessment and Screening for Depression (60 minutes)
- Module 3: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions (90 minutes)
- Module 4: Monitoring, Follow-Up, and Treatment Plan Adjustments (30 minutes)
- Quiz and Case Review: 30 minutes
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction and Pathophysiology of Depression
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Overview of Depression: Understanding depression as a complex, multifactorial mental health disorder, including its impact on physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning.
- Risk Factors: Exploring biological, environmental, and psychological risk factors for depression, such as genetic predisposition, traumatic life events, and chronic illnesses.
- Pathophysiology: Examining the biological mechanisms underlying depression, including neurotransmitter imbalances, brain structure changes, and hormonal influences.
Learning Activity:
Review the content on the pathophysiology of depression and its associated risk factors. Answer the following questions to reflect on the information:
- What are the key biological processes involved in the development of depression?
- How do environmental and psychological factors contribute to the onset of depression?
Module 2: Mental Health Assessment and Screening for Depression
Duration: 60 minutes
Content:
- Conducting a Mental Health Assessment: Detailed steps in assessing a patient’s mental health, including patient history, mood evaluation, and identifying risk factors for depression.
- Screening Tools for Depression: Introduction to screening tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), including how to use them effectively in practice.
- Diagnostic Criteria: Applying the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD), including the necessary duration of symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions.
Learning Activity:
Review the provided case scenario of a patient presenting with depressive symptoms. Use screening tools and the diagnostic criteria to assess the patient’s condition. Document your findings and consider the next steps in developing a treatment plan.
Module 3: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Duration: 90 minutes
Content:
- Pharmacological Interventions: Overview of the most common medications used to treat depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
- Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and other therapeutic techniques, including the benefits and limitations of each approach.
- Combining Treatments: How to combine pharmacological treatments with psychotherapy to improve patient outcomes, including strategies for patient education and adherence.
Learning Activity:
Based on the patient’s condition and symptoms, develop an individualized treatment plan that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Justify your choices and reflect on how they will contribute to the patient’s well-being.
Module 4: Monitoring, Follow-Up, and Treatment Plan Adjustments
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-up appointments to assess treatment efficacy, side effects, and overall patient well-being. Identifying when adjustments to the treatment plan are needed.
- Managing Treatment Resistance: Identifying patients who are not responding to initial treatments and exploring alternative options, such as switching medications or adding adjunctive therapies.
- Long-Term Care and Prevention of Relapse: Strategies to prevent relapse, including lifestyle changes, ongoing therapy, and regular monitoring.
Learning Activity:
Review the patient’s treatment progress. Based on your findings, determine whether any adjustments are needed to the treatment plan. Consider additional treatments or changes to existing therapies as necessary.
Quiz and Case Review
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Complete the quiz assessing your understanding of depression management, including screening, diagnosis, treatment options, and monitoring strategies.
- Review the entire case study and reflect on the management steps taken. Ensure you understand the reasoning behind each clinical decision.