Depression and the Older Adult

Course Code: REL-PAC-0-DOA

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2025

Learning Objectives:
Explain at least three types of depression in older adults.
Describe at least five typical signs and symptoms of depression.
Identify at least three appropriate interventions for older adults with depression.

Outline:

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Understanding Depression in the Older Adult Population

Meet Sam

Depression and Major Depressive Disorder

Common Types of Depression

Depression and Suicide

Review

Summary

Section 3: Factors That May Cause or Contribute to Depression

Risk Factors

Structural Changes

The Role of Neurotransmitters

The Mind-Body Connection

ADLs and Depression

Bereavement

Review

Summary

Section 4: Diagnosing Depression

The Process

Red Flags

The Challenges of Identification

Screening: A Reliable Method of Identification

Screening Tools

Depression vs. Dementia

Review

Summary

Section 5: Best Practices and Treatment Options

The Best Approach

Non-Medicinal Approaches

Types of Psychotherapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Pharmacological Approaches

The Role of Antidepressants

Types of Antidepressants

Side Effects

Medicinal Treatment of MDD with Psychotic Features

Mood Stabilizers

Alternative Treatments

Lifestyle Behaviors

Pain Management

Review

Summary

Section 6: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Subject Matter Expert: Elizabeth Vaccaro, BSN RN

Elizabeth Vaccaro earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Kean University. She has worked as a Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Educator. Elizabeth has worked in a variety of healthcare settings from the hospital to the pharmaceutical industry which has allowed her to have a great appreciation for all the challenges that span the healthcare field.  She has practiced in the hospice setting for nine years in a variety of roles from Case Manager, Educator, and Director of both inpatient and home care hospice. 

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Beginner level Social Workers; Nurses; in the following settings: Post-Acute Care.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.

To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.