Depression and other mood disorders

Depression comprises several disorders. Major depression can occur independently or as part of bipolar disorder and is not rare. It is a severe condition and can be associated with psychosis and suicidal behavior. Major depression has a genetically determined biological basis, but psychological factors are also important in the genesis of depression. A milder but chronic form of depression is characterized by a depressed mood that is usually present during a period of at least 1 year, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, poor concentration, low energy, and changes in school or work performance, sleep, and appetite. Another type of depression is adjustment disorder with depressed mood. This is a time-limited depression that follows a stressful event and constitutes a maladaptive response to that event.

Resources:

• Services and Programs
• Links and Resources
• StudyFinder
• Media
• News
• Faculty

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Services and Programs

• Family Outreach Center
  Disability-specific programs associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other organizations at Vanderbilt provide a broad range of treatment, research, technical assistance, education, and outreach services.
• Research Family Partners
  Research Family Partners is a program that helps families connect with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center research studies in which they may be interested in taking part.
• Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - An internet community and statewide helpline
  Phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates.

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Links and Resources

• D/ART, Depression Awareness
  The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) conducts the DEPRESSION/Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment (D/ART) campaign to help people recognize the symptoms of depressive disorders, including bipolar disorder, obtain an accurate diagnosis, and obtain effective treatments.
• Depression
  Links and information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concerning depression.
• Depression - Health Library
  Links and information concerning depression in children and teens.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country.
• WeSearchTogether.org
  This site advances depression, bipolar disorder and mood research through encouraging volunteer participation and enhancing community-researcher relationships nationally.

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StudyFinder - Participate in a study related to Depression and other mood disorders

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers need subjects to complete the studies listed below.

• Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression
• Depression and Parenting
• Studies of Perception, Memory, and Creativity
• Treatment Study for Adolescents and Young Adults with Depression
• WeSearchTogether.org

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Video, Podcast and Images

• Health Disparities and the Stress Hypothesis
  

  January 9, 2013
  Developmental Disabilities Grand Rounds
  R. Jay Turner, Ph.D., Harvie Branscomb Chair and Professor of Sociology, Professor of Psychiatry

• Developmental Factors Underlying the Risk to Develop Anxiety and Depression
  Lecture on development and developmental disabilities for researchers, clinicians, and trainees.
• Pediatric Anxiety - Current and Future Approaches to Therapeutics
  Lecture by Daniel Pine, M.D., at the Special Lecture on Development and Developmental Disabilities held on March 26, 2009.

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In the News

• Probing the roots of depression by tracking serotonin regulation at a new level
• Research News @ Vanderbilt: Brain injury strongly linked to depression, but treatments lack study
• Vanderbilt News: Seeing Serotonin Neurons in Action
• CNN: The Chart: Of mice and mood
• Podcast: Post-Flood Depression Warning Signs
• The Tennessean: C’mon, get happy
• Los Angeles Times: Depressed parents’ negative effects on kids are combatable
• New York Times: Depression’s upside
• VUCast: Family intervention may reduce risk for depression in parents and children
• The New York Times: Popular drugs may help only severe depression
• U.S. News and World Report: Chronically depressed? What to do when antidepressants don't work
• VUCast: Vanderbilt scientists receive federal funding for two unconventional research projects
• VUCast: Family-focused care needed to break cycle of depression for parents and their children
• Time: Study: Early therapy can save teens from depression
• Health Day: New Program May Help Teens at High Risk for Depression
• Science Daily: New Role For Serotonin Ironed Out

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