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Depression in Geriatric Patients (2022)
Course Overview
This course provides comprehensive information on depression, focusing specifically on how depression may present in the geriatric patient, as well as common conditions and medications that may cause depressive symptoms in an older patient. Expand your knowledge about the impact of depression in older adults, signs and symptoms of depression, and how depression in older adults may be recognized, diagnosed, and managed by a health care provider.

Learners will explore the following topics:
  • Key facts and information about depression
  • Risk factors
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Screening for and diagnosing depression
  • Treatment, including:
    • Pharmacotherapy
    • Other treatment modalitie
    • Long-term management
Course Information
Course Description
Depression is a common but often overlooked mental health condition among older adults and can significantly affect quality of life, physical health, and overall well-being. This course explores the causes, risk factors, symptoms, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of depression in geriatric patients. Learners will examine how depression may present differently in older adults, review commonly used screening tools such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and explore evidence-based treatment approaches including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and other interventions.

Emphasis is placed on the medical assistant's role in recognizing warning signs, supporting screening efforts, facilitating referrals, and contributing to a patient-centered approach to mental health care. Depression is not a normal part of aging, and early identification can improve outcomes and quality of life for older adults.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: 
  • Define and discuss the impact of depression
  • Identify causes of depression
  • Describe how the brain is affected in depression
  • List risk factors for depression
  • Identify signs and symptoms of depression
  • Discuss screening tools for depression
  • Describe how depression is diagnosed by a health care provider
  • Identify how depression is managed by the health care provider
  • Describe potential adverse effects associated with antidepressant medications
  • Trace the steps of the patient journey for depression
  • Describe considerations for interacting with patients who have depression

What’s Included
eLearning course with milestone practice tests, and a downloadable companion eHandbook which includes screening tools and a fact sheet.
Course Contributors
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Developed this educational program and companion resources addressing depression in older adults, screening tools, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and patient support strategies.
Intended Audience
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, and ambulatory care team members who work with older adult populations. Learners will gain practical knowledge to recognize symptoms of depression, support screening initiatives, facilitate patient-centered care, and contribute to improved mental health outcomes for geriatric patients.
Retake Information
One retake on the exam is allowed.
Join the AAMA and Save!
Join as a member today and save on this course! After joining as member, you will need to close your browser and sign back in to see the discounted price.
Ready to Complete the ABC-G Program?
Want to earn the Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics? 
Learners who’ve passed all four individual courses of the ABC-G Program can request the final exam for the entire ABC-G Program by emailing ContinuingEducation@aama-ntl.org at no additional cost.

Requests will be processed in approximately three to five business days.

If the learner passes the final exam, they will have earned the Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $100.00
Nonmember: $150.00
CEU Offered:
4 Gen/Adm/Clin CEUs
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