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Depression in the Veteran Population: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals (NA2536)


Author(s): Patsy Barnes, RN, BA


Pre-Approved for: ACM, CA BRN, CCLCP, CCM, CDMS, CE Broker Provider, CLCP, CMCPS, COHN/COHN-S, CRCC, CVE, CVRP, Delaware BON, FCB, MSCC, NAADAC, RNs


Credit Hours: 4


Course Format

This course is online. All course material is available online and is accessible immediately after purchase from your account homepage. Certificate of Completion is available immediately upon passing the exam.

Course Overview

Although the DSM-5 does not define a separate diagnosis for "veteran depression," depression in veterans often presents with unique complexities. These include distinct risk factors related to military service, as well as specialized treatment options and support systems. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates independently from private and Medicaid healthcare systems, and nearly one-third of veterans receive their care outside of the VA. This makes it critical for all healthcare and support professionals to recognize how depression manifests in veterans and to be aware of available treatment resources.
 
This course offers a practical and in-depth exploration of depression as it affects veterans. Participants will gain a clear understanding of depression symptoms, evidence-based treatment standards, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. The course also examines specialized treatment strategies for veterans with treatment-resistant depression, screening tools tailored for this population, and the unique risk factors veterans face both during and after military service.  Finally, learners will be introduced to key suicide prevention resources and programs available through private, community, and public systems.
 
By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to recognize, assess, and support veterans struggling with depression, regardless of the healthcare setting in which they work.
 


Course Objectives

  1. Identify the symptoms of depression.

  2. Describe the standard of care for treating depression, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) options.

  3. Outline various treatment options available to veterans, including those for treatment-resistant depression.

  4. Explain depression screening tools and methods appropriate for use with veterans.

  5. List risk factors for depression that are specific to veterans, both during and after military service.

  6. Discuss key private, community, and public programs that provide suicide prevention support for veterans.

Course Outline

  1. Introduction to Depression

  2. Depression Symptoms in the Veteran Population

  3. Risk Factors Unique to Veterans (Active Duty and Post-Service)

  4. Treatment Options for Veterans, Including CAM and Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Depression

  5. Veteran Suicide: Prevention Strategies and Support Programs

Course Price

$32.00

Customer Testimonial

Thank you for this great course! I learned a lot about the symptoms of dementia and the different causes of it.
Cecelia M.