Course Summary

Expiration Date: 12/09/2028

Depression and anxiety in older adults are frequently under-recognized because they often present as somatic or cognitive complaints that mimic medical illness or are misattributed to “normal aging.” Ageism’s impact on assessment and access to care is an important consideration when evaluating older patients. Key screening tools, practical documentation tips, and clinical red flags for urgent intervention (including suicide risk) are helpful diagnostic aids. The epidemiology, typical subjective and objective findings, appropriate laboratory and exam workups, diagnostic differentiation (especially versus delirium and dementia), and evidence-based treatment approaches are discussed.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
    • Epidemiology and Clinical Importance
    • Subjective Presentation of Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults
    • Objective Data: Exam, Cognitive Assessment, and Laboratory Workup
    • Screening Tools and Diagnostic Criteria
    • Differentiating Depression, Anxiety, Delirium, and Dementia
    • Common Medical Mimics and Medication Contributors
    • Evidence-Based Treatments: Psychotherapy, Pharmacotherapy, and Integrated Care
    • Suicide Risk, Safety, and Crisis Management
    • Documentation Tips Specific to Older Adults
    • Ageism: How Bias Impacts Recognition and Care
    • Special Populations and Considerations
    • Follow-Up, Monitoring, and Outcome Measurement
    • Case Study: Major Depression in an Elderly Female
    • Presentation
    • Diagnostic Considerations and Treatment Approach
    • Outcomes
    • Case Discussion
    • Key Takeaway Points

Authors

Sarah Schulze, MSN, APRN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner and professional medical content writer. She earned her BSN from Indiana State University and her MSN from University of Illinois at Chicago. In clinical practice as an RN and NP, she has experience in a variety of settings; including critical care, PACU, pediatrics, mental health, and lactation support. She currently owns and operates a private practice providing outpatient mental health services to children and adolescents. As a writer, she has developed content for many CEU courses, medical apps, health education curricula, NCLEX study materials, health blogs, and more.

William Cook, PhD

William Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as the Director of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing. Dr. Cook likes new challenges, foreign traveling to Africa and areas of Europe and the near East, scuba diving, running, music, and spending time with his family.