Dealing with Depression in Rural Australia

Program Outline

Depression is a common condition frequently managed in primary care. Identifying and managing depression in a rural context presents a unique set of challenges for health professionals providing mental health care in their communities.

Dealing with Depression in Rural Australia is a highly interactive, multidisciplinary program developed specifically to address the needs of clinicians delivering health care for people presenting with depression in a rural setting.

Using a case-based problem solving format, the program outlines a practical framework for assessment and management planning readily applicable to primary care.

Accreditation

• 40 Accredited Activity CPD points (RACGP)
• 3 Performance review, 5 Educational Activity PRPD (ACRRM)
• Mental Health Skills Training (GPMHSC)
• 1 MOPS point
• 6 hours CPD (Psychologists)

This workshop is eligible for one day of funding under the Emergency Medicine component of the Rural Procedural Grants Program (GPs)

Prerequisites

Completion of predisposing activity

Suitable for

Counsellors, GP Registrars, GPs, Multi-disciplinary, Mental Health Nurse, Psychologists, Social Workers

Topics Covered

• Topic 1: Assessment & Diagnosis
• Topic 2: Management

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between the differing sub-types of clinical depression
• Recognise the contribution of biological, social and psychological factors to the current depressive episode
• Assess and manage risk in the depressed patient
• Select pharmacological treatment best suited to the individual patient
• Develop a comprehensive mental health treatment plan derived from the formulation of the depressive episode