Clinical Programs
The Depression Center's clinical programs build upon a long tradition of excellence. The Clinical Studies Unit for Mood Disorders, established in 1976 by Drs. Bernard Carroll and John Greden at the University of Michigan, was the first of its kind in the country. Today, the Depression Center provides a continuum of clinical care that helps patients successfully manage and control their depression by bringing together experienced depression clinicians and researchers campus-wide to ensure the most comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. Because the Center participates in clinical trials, patients also benefit from new treatment innovations as soon as they become available.
Specialized team approach
Seeking mental health treatment for depression is an important first step toward improving overall health and well-being. Taking care of yourself means attending to both physical and emotional needs. Depression treatment is effective in the majority of sufferers. Sadly, many people do not get the treatment they need. Fear of stigma may play a role. Many people hope they will "snap out of it" or are concerned they have a character flaw because they are depressed. Depression is a complicated illness caused by numerous factors, including a family predisposition to the illness and stressful life events. Within the last decade, a better understanding of the illness has lead to improvements in treatment.
Patients receive treatment and counseling from a team of experts - often including a physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, and other support professionals. One or two members of this team evaluate patients and a larger multidisciplinary team develops an individualized treatment plan. The team may include specialists in medication treatment, family treatments, marital and relationship issues, grief and loss, trauma and sexual abuse, adolescence, aging, depression related to childbearing, menopause, men's health, and work-related issues.
The Depression Center offers research-based clinical services through its Adult Depression Program, Child and Adolescent Depression Program, Family Services, and educational programs.
