Research
The Depression Center research programs build on a long tradition
of excellence. Ongoing research conducted within the Depression
Center allows investigators 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.
New bipolar disorder research
The University of Michigan is participating in a clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of two medicines commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. U-M is one of 10 sites in the Bipolar Trials Network that will participate in the national study, which is supported by a federal investment aimed at improving patient outcomes. -read more-
A new way of looking at depression risk and prevention
New U-M research is exploring risk factors that may make recurrence of depression more likely, with the goal of finding evidence that can help guide treatment decisions and more effectively prevent future depressive episodes. -read more-
Depression diversity: Brain studies reveal big differences among individuals
Depressed people may have far fewer of the receptors for some of the brain’s “feel good” stress-response chemicals than non-depressed people, new University of Michigan Depression Center research shows. -read more-
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.
-read more-
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.
-read more-
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-