Course Summary

Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are two of the most common psychiatric disorders, resulting in significant losses to the affected individual and cost to the healthcare system. The diagnosis of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder tends to be complicated because patient symptoms are typically chronic, may appear as co-occurring mental and physical conditions, and are commonly resistant to treatment. The combination of medication and psychotherapy can be effective but treatment availability, cost, patient compliance, and a relative lack of clinical evidence supporting treatment guidelines have made the successful treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder a challenging process.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Prevalence and Etiology of Major Depressive Disorder
• Screening and Diagnosis of MDD
  • Differential Diagnosis: Screening for Depression
• MDD Clinical Course and Treatment
  • Antidepressants
  • Augmentation Therapy
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Psychotherapy and Lifestyle
  • Naturopathic Approaches
• Case Study: MDD with Mixed Features and Anxious Distress
  • Clinical Considerations: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Prevalence and Etiology of GAD
• Screening and Diagnosis of GAD
  • GAD-7
• Clinical Course of GAD and Treatment
  • Psychotherapy and Lifestyle
• Summary

Author

Carly Sell, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Carly Sell, a Montana native, has worked as a psychiatric nurse for the past 14 years. Carly graduated in 2007 from Carroll College with her bachelor’s degree in nursing and from Montana State University in 2022 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Carly has always been passionate about improving overall mental health and wellbeing throughout the state of Montana through areas such as suicide prevention, mental health awareness education, and trauma-informed care. At home, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband, three amazing children, and a multitude of furry, feathered, and scaled friends. In addition, she loves hiking, attempting to garden, and supporting her family in their many sporting events and activities.