Mood Disorders and Older Adults Teaching Module
This teaching module contains PowerPoint slides with teaching notes, a teaching script, and additional resource materials that include information related to two major mood disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder I & II. Provides information related to risk factors; DSM-IV criteria; course of depression; coronary artery diseases and neurological disorders; metabolic disturbances, cancer and other physical illnesses that may cause depression; prognosis; factors for assessments of emotional and physical symptoms; special considerations for assessing older adults; and suicide. Treatment issues, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, seven-step skill-based treatments for depression, and therapy successes are described; and an extensive reference list is provided.
Competencies Addressed in This Module:
- Engaging, maintaining rapport, and sustaining effective working relationships with a wide range of older adults (including those with behavior problems, mental illness, and dementia) their families and caregivers
- Ability to conduct a comprehensive geriatric assessment of psychosocial factors that affect older persons’ physical and mental well-being
- Designing and implementing service plans to help older people and their families manage/improve functioning with cognitive loss or mental health problems (e.g., depression, dementia, and delirium), health issues, and/or physical functioning
- Developing and implementing service plans to assist older adults with health issues and difficulties in physical functioning