A Depression is more than having a blue mood. When appetite, sleep, energy level or concentration are affected, it is time to seek treatment.
Current treatments for depression include several antidepressant medications and several forms of psychotherapy. Although these therapies effectively treat depression in many patients, not all depressed patients are helped by them.
Psychiatrists and psychologists at The University of Arizona are working on a number of research projects, including ongoing studies investigating the efficacy of acupuncture, St. John's Wort, new forms of psychotherapy and new drugs.
Researchers also are examining the optimal length of treatment, the utility of combining antidepressant medications and specific forms of psychotherapy, and ways to reduce unwanted side effects such as decreased sexual interest.
Researchers also are trying to understand the biological processes that are affected by successful treatment of depression.
While researchers continue to test the efficacy of new treatments for depression, their biggest challenge is to identify which patients will benefit from which combinations of treatments.
—Rachel Manber, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
PLEASE NOTE:
For more information about depression studies at The University of Arizona, call (520) 626-5400.
Chronic Depression: How Can Therapy Help?, a free lecture open to the public, will be presented by Dr. Manber on Mon., Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Medical Center, DuVal Auditorium, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson. For more information, call (520) 626-6509.
Editors Note: ASK AHSC is published by the AHSC Office of Public Affairs. ASK AHSC is available on the Internet at www.ahsc.arizona.edu/opa/answers. To receive ASK AHSC via E-mail, call (520) 626-7301.
Health questions should be sent to: ASK AHSC, AHSC Office of Public Affairs, PO Box 245095, Tucson, AZ 85724-5095, or E-mail to: jspinell@u.arizona.edu. The information here is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. For referral to a UA Physician, please call University Health Connection, (520) 694-8888.
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