Introduction: Why Focus on Women and Depression?

TARGET AUDIENCE: Physicians and pharmacists practicing in the managed care environment. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By engaging in this activity, participants will be able to: 1) recognize the symptoms of a woman with depression and develop an appropriate treatment plan while considering unique gender barriers and issues; 2) recognize the need for timely diagnosis by primary care providers for appropriate treatment and entrance into the managed care system to increase optimal outcomes for depression; 3) explain why women are at greater risk for depression than men and describe factors that play a role in developing depressive disorders; 4) acknowledge the complexity of comorbid conditions associated with mental illness and evaluate the importance of adequately diagnosing and treating comorbidities to improve outcomes and manage costs; and 5) integrate best practices into the work environment to ultimately improve patient health and productivity outcomes.