Pharmacologic Management of Depression: Prescribing for APRNs

Course overview

Depression remains one of the most prevalent and burdensome mental health disorders globally, with wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families, and health systems. For advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), understanding the complexities of pharmacologic management is critical to providing safe and effective care. This course provides an in-depth examination of antidepressant pharmacology, including first-line prescribing strategies, selection considerations for pediatric and adult populations, and evidence-based approaches to treatment-resistant depression. Emphasis is placed on individualized treatment plans, appropriate monitoring, and current clinical guidelines. Learners will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacotherapeutic tools available to manage depression, improve outcomes, and reduce risks. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, the participant will be able to: Describe the pharmacologic classes of antidepressants and their mechanisms of action relevant to initial and ongoing depression treatment. Apply clinical guidelines to the selection and titration of antidepressants in adults and pediatric populations. Recognize key safety considerations, including suicide risk, side effect profiles, and drug interactions. Evaluate strategies for managing treatment-resistant depression, including augmentation and switching techniques. Monitor patient outcomes using standardized tools and implement measurement-based care to guide treatment decisions.