Current Studies

Depression:

* Insomnia & Depression

* Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

* New Medication Trial (ROCHE)

* Buprenorphine for TRD

* New Medication Trial (Shire)

Assessment Only:

* Emotion/Physiology

Bipolar Disorder:

* Quetiapine vs. Lithium

What Is Depression?

     The word "depression" may be confusing.  It is often incorrectly used to describe feelings that many people experience when they are sad or under stress.  This page will discuss Clinical Depression (a mood disorder with specific, emotionally painful symptoms).  These symptoms are severe, last a long time, and often return.

Common Symptoms of Clinical Depression:

       I feel sad or blue

       I have been crying lately

       I am having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

       There have been changes in my appetite

       I have been less interested in pleasurable activities

       My self esteem has been less than normal

       I have noticed trouble concentrating and remembering

       I have less interest in sex than I used to

       I have thoughts of my own death

     Clinical Depression affects people's moods, their thinking, their behavior, and their bodies.  People with clinical depression are often unable to imagine an end to their depression.  Some people are often so affected by their symptoms that they are unable to reach out for help.  Without effective treatment, episodes of clinical depression may last for months, or even years.  Clinical depression should not be confused with grief a person has after a divorce, death, or other major loss.  The sadness that follows such grief typically goes away without treatment.

Facts about Depression

     Depression:

       Is very treatable

       Is more serious and last longer than feeling 'down-in-the dumps" or having "the blues"

       Can affect all parts of a person's life

       Is a painful state of mind

       Goes hand in hand with low self-esteem and negative thinking

       Affects energy and mood

       Interferes with full participation in life

       Can last for months and sometimes years

       Is likely to come back quickly if not fully treated

       Can recur more than once, even if treated

If you would like to find out more information on the services we can provide please click here.  If you would like to contact us by phone at 412-246-6111 or toll free at 1-888-427-1532.

© 2005 Mood Disorders Treatment and Research Program (MDTRP), Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), UPMC Health System