Depression and Mental Health in Older People

Almost half of Australians (45%) will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime¹. The General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018 report published by the RACGP identifies that psychological issues are the most common health issue managed by GPs in 2018². The particular topics chosen for this activity is based on feedback from GPs and the community, which has been confirmed by research.

Old age depression differs from younger age depression due to increased co-morbidity of other health-related issues. There is also a higher likelihood of multiple medication interactions to be considered along with how a person is coping with the external issues of aging (social aspects, dealing with grief, facing mortality, etc.)

In this recorded webinar

Associate Professor Martin Cohen and Professor Sadanand Rajkumar, leading psychiatrists in the Newcastle/Hunter region will discuss the topic of Mental Health in Older People, focusing on issues of Depression. The aim of the activity is to upskill GPs in managing mental health consumers in primary care, and to effectively refer to other mental health professionals.

The recording is one hour long and includes a post-activity quiz.

CPD points

This activity is accredited with the RACGP for 2 category 2 QI&CPD points. A certificate of is available for download on completion of all activities in the course.

Brought to you by ProCare

The discussion is presented by ProCare Mental Health Services, a not for profit organisation based in Waratah NSW. ProCare’s clinicians work with GPs to provide counselling, psychology, and psychiatry consultations. Additionally, they provide the free “GP Psychiatry Support Line” service (1800 16 17 18) which is an initiative funded by 6 Primary Health Networks in NSW.

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 4326.0, 2007. ABS: Canberra.

2 The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2018.