Difficult to Treat Depression – Emerging Strategies

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Course Description

Recent developments and research have led to a broader and more inclusive approach to difficult-to-treat depression (DTD), emphasizing the need to consider a concept that goes beyond mere resistance to traditional pharmacologic treatments. This new perspective, encompassing psychosocial, biological, and interactive aspects, paves the way for an integrative model of therapeutic management of resistance in depression. There is now increased access to medications for DTD, like ketamine and esketamine, but there are still challenges related to the administration of these medications. This session will uncover the latest strategies for managing DTD and help psychiatric pharmacists navigate the complexities of this challenging condition.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe difficult-to-treat depression (DTD) and how it can impact an individual’s treatment plan.
  2. Evaluate treatment options for DTD including ketamine and/or esketamine.
  3. Develop an evidence-based treatment plan for an individual with DTD.

Target Audience

If you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or other health care professional involved in the comprehensive medication management of individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders, we invite you to participate in this online course.

Faculty

Ilse Wiechers, MD, MPP, MHS
View biographical information

Ilse Wiechers, MD, MPP, MHS
Deputy Executive Director
Veterans Health Administration Office of Mental Health

Dr. Wiechers serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Mental Health (OMH) where she leads the operations of OMH and the timely development and implementation of policies and programs that ensure Veteran-centered, evidence-based and high-quality mental health services to over 2 million Veterans every year. She also leads OMH’s legislative policy and partnership work, engaging regularly with key Congressional and Veteran Service Organization stakeholders. She has been instrumental in the development of VHA’s portfolio of innovative mental health treatments including ketamine, esketamine, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
 
Dr. Wiechers is a practicing and board-certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist with additional expertise in health policy and health services research serving on faculty at both UCSF and Yale School of Medicine. She provides direct clinical care for Veterans with late-life mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders, teaches extensively, and collaborates in research.

Course Requirements

To receive ACPE credit for this session, you must:

  • Register for this course.
  • Review the full content of the activity and reflect upon its teachings.
  • Complete the evaluation at the end of the activity.
  • Provide the necessary details in your profile to ensure correct reporting by AAPP to CPE Monitor.

Continuing Education Credit and Disclosures

Activity Dates: 04/27/2025 - 04/27/2028
ACPE Contact Hours: 1
ACPE Number: 0284-0000-25-003-H01-P (Application)
Nursing Credit Reminder: Note that ACPE credit is accepted for ANCC Certification Renewal and AANPCB advanced practice provider content. For specific questions related to your organization's acceptance of ACPE continuing education units, please contact your organization directly.

ACPEThe American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

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View disclaimer and disclosure of off-label use

Off-Label Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA (see faculty information). The opinions expressed in the educational activity do not necessarily represent the views of AAPP and any educational partners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

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It is the policy of AAPP to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in continuing education activities. Those involved in the development of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education activity. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, and precautions) and drug delivery systems is subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer’s package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.

Fair balance is achieved through ongoing and thorough review of all materials produced by faculty, and all educational and advertising materials produced by supporting organizations, prior to educational offerings. Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by AAPP for any product or manufacturer identified.