Skip to main content

Understanding and Diagnosing Depression and the Bipolar Spectrum

code
January 6, 2025
1:00 - 3:00pm CST
Virtual Learning via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmember
Trainer(s): David Mays, MD, PhD
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Register

Course Description

The limitations of DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual for psychiatry) are seldom more apparent than when working with the mood disorders. The diagnosis of depression consistently shows poor reliability in field studies. "The Bipolar Spectrum" is a term encompassing an effort to incorporate clinical observations regarding atypical cyclical mood disorders with standard diagnostic criteria. It all gets quite confusing. This session will clarify the some of the latest thinking regarding diagnosing mood disorders, with a basic review of treatment.

Learning Objectives:

  • After participating in this session, attendees should be able to describe the DSM criteria for
    depression, bipolar disorder, and their descriptors.
  • After participating in this session, attendees should be able to explain how the bipolar spectrum
    differs from traditional bipolar disorder.
  • After participating in this session, attendees should be able to apply their understanding of mood
    disorders to recommending the most efficacious and safest treatments for their clients.

About Your Trainer

David Mays
Dr. David Mays, MD, PhD

Dr. David Mays, M.D., Ph.D., is a licensed physician in the state of Wisconsin, where he is a clinical adjunct assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association. Dr. Mays has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Alliance on Mental Illness in Dane County, the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Exceptional Performance Award from the Wisconsin Health and Family Services, the Outstanding Professional Award from the Wisconsin Association on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, and the Outstanding Mental Health Professional Award from the Wisconsin National Alliance on Mental Illness.