Evaluation and Treatment of Depression in Patients with Cognitive Impairment

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Citation: 

Pages 39 - 48

Authors: 

Lea C. Watson, MD, MPH, and David C. Steffens, MD, MHS

This continuing medical education activity is sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

These examination questions are based on the article “Evaluation and Treatment of Depression in Patients with Cognitive Impairment,” which appears on pages 39-45 in this issue of Clinical Geriatrics.

Accreditation

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this education activity for a maximum of 1.0 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. Valid November 1, 2004 - January 31, 2005. Estimated time: 1 hour

FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY AFFECTING CME ACTIVITIES

As a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), it is the policy of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member or sponsor has with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. The presenting faculty reported the following: Dr. Watson has indicated that she has not received financial support for consultation, research or evaluation or has a financial interest relevant to this article. Dr. Steffens has indicated that he has received an honorarium from Forest Laboratories, Inc. No faculty member has indicated that their presentation will include information on off-label products.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty and other experts whose input is included in this program are their own. This enduring material is produced for educational purposes only. Use of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine name implies review of educational format design and approach. Please review the complete prescribing information of specific drugs or combination of drugs, including indications, contraindications, warnings and adverse effects before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.

Educational Objectives

1. To recognize signs and symptoms of depression in patients with cognitive impairment
2. To identify key features of the comprehensive depression evaluation in cognitively impaired patients
3. To recognize and recommend appropriate pharmacologic treatments for depression in cognitive impairment
4. To become familiar with standardized screening tools for depression in cognitive impairment
5. To recognize an appropriate threshold for referral to a geriatric psychiatrist

Instructions

A certificate of completion will be awarded to physicians completing the posttest and evaluation form. Please complete the following examination answer sheet and mail it with your payment of $10 (write the course number OFP# 55-0615 on your check payable to Johns Hopkins-Office of Funded Programs) to:

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Office of Funded Programs
P.O. Box 64749
Baltimore, MD 21264-4749

You will receive the certificate of completion approximately 6-8 weeks after submitting your materials, and receiving a grade of 70% or higher.   Requests for CME credits must be received within 90 days of the publication date of the issue; void after that date. Please contact the CME office at (410) 614-6152, Fax (410) 614-7315, if you have any questions.

Clinicians caring for cognitively impaired patients should routinely consider depression as a possible coexisting condition.
References: 

References

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