Understanding Depression And Bipolar Disorder

Course overview

Understanding Depression and Bipolar Disorder: Mental Health Challenges in a Rapidly Advancing Society COURSE DESCRIPTION Stress is the price our society pays for the level of progress and lifestyles we enjoy today. Chronic stress then becomes the foundation for many mental illnesses including depression and bipolar disorder. Clinical depression is being seen more commonly in medical practice today than at any prior period in our history. Such depression when undiagnosed or untreated can at times lead to tragic consequences such as the homicides and suicides often reported in the media, even among the youngest members of our society. As a result, mental health is a topic of concern and active debate within the healthcare profession today and the consensus is that more must be done. Efforts in this regard must begin with the recognition of mental illness early in its course to prevent complications. This seminar on depression and bipolar disorder allows healthcare professionals from all disciplines in medicine to better understand the causes, manifestations and complications of these conditions and address them within the patient population. Valuable insight will be gained from the interactive discussion of a variety of topics including: ?The effect of depression on the brain ?Causes of depression ?Insomnia leading to depression. ?Chronic pain and depression ?Diagnosing depression ?Childhood depression ?Depression and suicide ?Antidepressant medications ?Psychotherapy for depression ?Alternatives for treatment resistant depression ?Differentiating bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder. ?DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder ?Treatment for bipolar disorder For too long healthcare professionals have focused on the treatment of illnesses affecting the human body while neglecting the illnesses that afflict the mind. Perhaps it is now time for this paradigm to shift.