Understanding Depressive and Bipolar Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Course overview

It is important for healthcare professionals who provide care to children and adolescents to understand the signs and symptoms associated with depressive disorders and bipolar and related disorders. This is especially relevant in ambulatory care settings, where nurses and social workers are often among the first of the healthcare team to recognize changes in mood, behavior, or functioning during routine or episodic care. Having a shared and current understanding supports more effective collaboration when developing treatment plans. The goal of this course is to provide healthcare teams with practical, evidence-based information on the identification and management of the most prevalent depressive disorders and bipolar and related disorders experienced by children and adolescents, with a focus on application in ambulatory care practice.