This continuing education activity is jointly sponsored by CME Outfitters, LLC, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://www.afsp.org). The joint sponsors gratefully acknowledge financial support for this CE activity from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Premiering Wednesday, January 30, 2008, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. ET, the activity will focus on recognizing somatic symptoms that may underlie, but mask, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder; analyzing the contribution of primary care physician education on reducing suicide rates by increasing levels of depression treatment, and identifying pharmaceutical and psychological measures to achieve depression remission. The recorded satellite broadcast will re-air from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ET. This CE activity will also be available as an archived webcast, podcast, and telephone audioconference shortly after the broadcast premiere.

There is no fee to participate or receive CE credit for this activity; however, registration is required. Three forms of registration are accepted:
Online: Visit the activity details page at http://www.neuroscienceCME.com/cmea.asp?ID=272 and click the Register icon.
Phone: Call 877.CME.PROS (877.263.7767).
Fax: Visit the activity details page at http://www.neuroscienceCME.com/cmea.asp?ID=272, print and complete the activity details form, and fax to 240.243.1033.

Statement of Need:
Many people who are eventually diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) at first present to their primary care physician (PCP) with somatic complaints such as chronic pain, fatigue, sleep-related problems, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain or loss. Screening instruments to identify such individuals can and should be administered in the primary care office as part of the initial medical questionnaire. These include the PHQ-9 symptom depression checklist and a tool to assess a common comorbid condition, alcohol abuse, that often negatively impacts long-term outcomes for depression.

Studies that have followed PCP education programs on depression recognition and treatment have revealed that in the years when intervention programs were delivered, antidepressant prescriptions increased and suicide rates decreased. Armed with assessment tools and knowledge, PCPs can disseminate this information to patients and engage them in the understanding of the etiology of their depression, diagnosis of their problems, and treatment choices and goals. Management of depression includes both prescription medication and psychological intervention. The discussion on medication choice should bring to attention the benefits as well as possible short- and long-term adverse reactions and side effects.

Since it is becoming clearer that depression is often a chronic and recurrent illness, follow-up care is vital. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends that patients be seen at least once every two weeks until remission. Progress can be monitored both through PCP rating scales and patient take-home diaries, which can be used to reassess whether the current treatment is adequate or requires modification. Such monitoring can also assist with decisions about whether the patient should continue treatment under the PCP or be referred to a psychiatrist. In this live, evidence-based, neuroscienceCME TV activity, the experts will explore the recognition and management of depression and the contribution to outcomes of education for both PCPs and patients. Easy-to-use measurement of clinical status and outcomes will be discussed.

Moderator:
Madhukar H. Trivedi, MD
Professor of Psychiatry
Betty Jo Hay Distinguished Chair in Mental Health
Lydia Bryant Test Professorship in Psychiatric Research
Chief, Division of Mood Disorders
NIMH Depression Trials Network Research Program
Co-Principal Investigator
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX

Faculty:
Thomas L. Campbell, MD
William Rocktaschel Professor and Chair
Department of Family Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Rochester, NY

Henry Chung, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Vice President Student Health
Department of Psychiatry
New York University
New York, NY

Maria A. Oquendo, MD
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Director of Clinical Studies, Department of Neuroscience
NYS Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University
New York, NY

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this CE activity, participants should be able to:
- Identify presentation of somatic symptoms that could underlie a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
- Formulate appropriate treatment plans and goals for those diagnosed with MDD.
- Evaluate the usefulness of PCP education on the diagnosis and management of MDD.

Target Audience:
Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals interested in the management and treatment of depression.

Credit Information:
This CE activity offers credit for all disciplines listed in the target audience. For complete credit information, please visit http://www.neuroscienceCME.com/cmea.asp?ID=272

Post-tests, credit request forms, and activity evaluations can be completed online at www.neuroscienceCME.com (click on the Testing/Certification link under the Resources tab - requires free account activation), and participants can print their certificate or statement of credit immediately (70% pass rate required). Otherwise, participants should fully complete and return both the credit request form and activity evaluation located within the course guide for this activity. A certificate or statement of credit will be mailed within 4-6 weeks to all who successfully complete these requirements.

About CME Outfitters:
CME Outfitters develops and distributes live, recorded, print, and web-based educational activities to thousands of clinicians each year and offers expert accreditation services for non-accredited organizations. For a complete catalog of certified activities, please visit http://www.cmeoutfitters.com, http://www.neuroscienceCME.com, or call 877.CME.PROS (877.263.7767).

About neuroscienceCME:
neuroscienceCME.com is the award-winning web portal serving clinicians, educators, and researchers in the neurosciences. Launched in October 2006, neuroscienceCME.com was custom designed to fill an identified gap in online resources for professionals around the world who are practicing in areas related to psychiatry, sleep disorders, addiction and substance abuse, ADHD, and other areas related to brain function. The site's primary mission is to be the professional's central forum for accessing, debating, synthesizing, and implementing the latest findings and best practices in the neurosciences.

About neuroscienceCME TV:
Offered as a simultaneous satellite broadcast, webcast, and telephone audioconference, neuroscienceCME TV is a one-hour, live and interactive continuing education (CE) activity where leading experts discuss clinically relevant, evidence-based issues facing mental health practitioners. Each broadcast's interactivity is enhanced by offering a Q&A segment during which the faculty presenters can respond to audience comments and questions posed via e-mail, fax, or phone. CME Outfitters has also developed a web-based instant polling feature that allows live webcast participants a chance to provide real-time input. Online CE credit is offered to participants upon completion of each activity, at neuroscienceCME.com.

To view all recent neuroscienceCME press releases, visit http://www.neuroscienceCME.com and click on "News Room" or visit http://www.prweb.com and search for "neuroscienceCME."

Clinical Compass, a bi-weekly e-newsletter published by CME Outfitters, is a convenient way to stay informed of all neuroscienceCME news and information. To subscribe, visit http://www.neuroscienceCME.com and click on "Subscribe to Clinical Compass."