Valerie A. Hart, EdD, APRN, CS

This feature article presents a systematic review of the pathophysiology of various forms of depression. Recent data on pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions for specific depressive illnesses and criteria for referral will be reviewed.

• Describe the pathophysiology of the various forms of depression

• Describe the pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical options for treating various types of depression

• Identify criteria for referring patients to a mental health professional

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This continuing education program may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents or products that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The authors, sponsors or publishers do not recommend the use of any agent or product outside of the official labeled indications. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each agent or product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and written warnings.

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