1026-25: A Collaborative Practice Change Using Predictive Factors to Differentiate Between Bipolar and Unipolar Depression Among Psychiatry and Primary Care Providers 

Bipolar depression masking as unipolar depression poses significant risks. This engaging presentation updates, identifies and provides steps to collaborate with primary care to differentiate between unipolar and bipolar depression. Participants will leave empowered and refreshed, with renewed confidence in diagnosing, treating, and reducing risk when managing persons presenting with depressive symptoms.

Presenters:  Kathleen Carroll, DNP, PMHNP-BC; Rebecca Ann Ballinger, MSN, PMHNP-BC; Nahid Ruintan Dastyar, PMHNP-BC, DNP; Katherine Angelique Kennedy, PMHNP-BC, MSN

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  1 hour 45 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify two predictive factors which providers may form into two questions to ask, differentiating between bipolar and unipolar depression.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Persons with major depressive disorder (MDD, unipolar depression) and bipolar disorder are at risk of self-harm and suicide.
• Bipolar depression masking as unipolar depression poses significant risks.

Keywords:  Bipolar Depression, Predictive Factors, Practice Change, Major Depressive Disorder, Self-harm, Suicide

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.75 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release Date:  December 9, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

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