Research
The Depression Center research programs build on a long tradition of excellence. Ongoing research conducted within the Depression Center allows investiagtors to continually improve treatment options. Clinicians work side-by-side with biological researchers who move treatment advances from "bench to bedside" allowing our patients to take immediate advantage of them. Researchers study and evolve new models for treatment, prevention and for minimizing recurrences. Internationally recognized faculty in biologic treatments, neuroimaging, genetics, immunology and stress anchor the Center's research.
There are a number of different types of research involving people with depression. Clinical trials are one important type of patient related research. In addition, research may include studies designed to understand underlying biological and psychological changes that may make some individuals more likely to experience to depression, or studies designed to document the effects of the illness, and studies designed to prevent long-term consequences of the illness e.g. suicide or prevention. The Depression Center conducts ongoing studies focusing on all of these areas.
Study of suicide among veterans yields key findings
The largest and most up-to-date study of suicides among depressed veterans provides important new data that may help guide screening and treatment for all veterans.
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Speeding the search for Bipolar Genes
For the 5.7 million Americans with bipolar disorder, the manic “highs” and the deep depressed “lows” they experience are bad enough. But they also live with the knowledge that their loved ones, especially their children, are at risk of developing the disease. Although no single gene causes bipolar disorder, the disease has its roots in genetic vulnerabilities that run in families.
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Great expectations: U-M study looks at placebo effect
Why do some people experience a “placebo effect” that makes them feel better when they receive a sham treatment they believe to be real — while other people don’t respond at all to the same thing, or even feel worse?
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Sleep and Depression
Some people have more trouble adjusting to time changes than others, according to Roseanne Armitage, Ph.D., a U-M professor of psychiatry who directs the Sleep and Chronophysiology Laboratory at the U-M Depression Center. Armitage studies the connection between sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances and psychiatric illness. -read more-
