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Mind Body Advancements in the Treatment of Depression
Depression is a recurring illness for which each depressive episode increases the risk of future episodes and on top of the emotional suffering that occurs with the disorder, the consequences to society have a measurable impact, as well. The total estimated economic cost of Depression is estimated at $66 billion and according to the US Surgeon General, indirect costs of depression exceed $80 billion each year. A major burden associated with Depression is absenteeism from work, with a predicted 400 million lost workdays each year – a cost equivalent to over $43.7 billion. Productivity loss alone has detrimental effects on the business environment, but also, healthcare costs to employers are four times more each year in medical services for employees with Depression. Yet, fewer than 25% of patients experiencing a depressive episode during a 12-month time period received appropriate treatment. It is critical that healthcare professionals are updated on new and improving diagnosis and treatment strategies, so that they can not only identify major depression patients, but also manage them appropriately when diagnosed.
CME Valid to March 31, 2013
 
Bipolar Disorder: Managing Lifetime Costs While Improving Outcomes
The cost implications of bipolar disorder are high and include hospitalization, physician office visits, medication, and psychotherapy for bipolar symptoms, and the added costs for any comorbidities. Patient outcomes can be improved through proper diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Bipolar Disorder tends to worsen with any delay of treatment.
CME Valid to August 31, 2012
 
Depression: Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Collaborative Care Disease Management Approach in Depression Patients
In any given year, about 19 million American adults [or 9.5% of the U.S. population 18 years and older] suffer from depressive disorders. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and it is projected that by the year 2020, it will be the leading cause of disability worldwide. While women are twice as likely to experience Depression, it can affect anyone, anywhere and anytime. In fact, if comparing depressive disorder statistics to those from 50 years ago, the average age of Depression onset was 29 years old, whereas in today’s society, statistics show the average age to be just 14 ˝ years old—literally half the age upon onset from the mid-1900s!

Many types of collaborative care models exist, yet, with the significantly lowering age of Depression onset, the increasing number of diagnoses and the economic burden to society, Depression has become a silent medical crisis of innumerable magnitude. With that in mind, it is necessary that managed care organizations, physicians, case/care managers and providers, understand both the emotional suffering of the patient and the best collaborative care strategies to implement for improving outcomes and decreasing overall costs in their population.
 CME Valid to March 15, 2012
 
Diagnosing Schizophrenia and Emerging Treatment Options
 Schizophrenia affects about 1% of Americans, which amounts to over 2 million adults. It is a chronic, severe brain disorder. Symptoms are usually divided into 3 categories: positive, negative and cognitive. While it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, there is no known absolute cause. Treatment options are to relieve the symptoms and reduce the recurrence as well as improve the patient’s quality of life. Diagnosis is done through analyzing clinical symptoms, and physical testing to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. There are 5 subtypes of schizophrenia: paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual. It is imperative that diagnosis is done accurately and the healthcare professional stays informed of new treatment therapy programs, as they become available.
CME Valid to March 15, 2012