October 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT
Depression is diagnosed twice as often in females as males, as standard tools like the PHQ-9 often miss atypical externalizing symptoms in boys and young men. Moreover, men remain depressed at high rates even after accessing care, due in part to barriers around adherence. In this presentation, we’ll review epidemiology by life stage, look at why treatment is not always effective for males, and explore emerging male-specific screening tools and treatment approaches.
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- List atypical presentations of depression in males, including symptoms that fall outside traditional DSM criteria, such as irritability, aggression, substance use, and risk-taking
- Apply male-specific screening and monitoring tools, such as the Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS/MDRS-7) and Gender Inclusive Depression Scale (GIDS), to detect cases and treatment effects that standard instruments may miss
- Evaluate 3 evidence-based treatment options and sex-specific considerations, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, exercise, and emerging treatments (esketamine, psilocybin, testosterone augmentation)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers during these presentations are solely those of the speakers and do not reflect the views or positions of the organization or any affiliated entities. The organization is not responsible for any statements, advice, or opinions shared by the speakers during these sessions.
Presented By
Dr. Loftus, Medical Director at Newport Healthcare, earned her medical degree at one of the oldest and most acclaimed medical schools in Romania, and received her PhD from the University of California, Davis. Her career has included stints as a researcher, attending and consulting psychiatrist at Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living, and Medical Director of the Institute’s Clinical Trials Unit, researching experimental depression and suicidal ideation treatments. Mirela has spoken at the Capitol on numerous occasions in her role as president of the Connecticut Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists.
