Depression Primer On Series

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious, debilitating, life-shortening illness that affects many persons of all ages and backgrounds. The lifetime risk for MDD is 7-12% for men and 20-25% for women (Kessler et al., 2003). MDD is a disabling disorder that costs the U.S. over $200 billion per year in direct and indirect costs (Greenberg et al., 2015), and is the leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2018). Depression also has detrimental effects on all aspects of social functioning (e.g., self-care, social role, and family life, including household, marital, kinship, and parental roles). While there have been several treatments that are efficacious, many individuals suffering from depression experience life-long challenges due to the chronic and episodic nature of the disease. Identifying strategies to find the right treatments for the right patients is critical. Ongoing research has explored the importance of examining physiologic biomarkers, as well as clinical characteristics to gain a better understanding of subtypes of depression, which will lead to improved treatments and better outcomes. This book provides an introduction to the etiology and pathophysiology of depression, common comorbidities and differential diagnoses, pharmacotherapy strategies, psychotherapeutic and neuromodulation interventions, novel and non-traditional treatment strategies, and considerations in special populations.

Madhukar Trivedi is Professor of Psychiatry, Chief of the Division of Mood Disorders, and Founding Director of the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is an internationally recognized translational researcher focusing on developing and validating biosignatures of depression. He specializes in treating depression and conducts research on pharmacological, psychosocial, and nonpharmacological treatments for depression, including ketamine, magnetic stimulation, and exercise. Holding the Betty Ho Hay Distinguished Chair in Mental Health and the Julie K. Hersh Chair for Depression Research and Clinical Care at UTSW, Dr. Trivedi has received numerous accolades, including the Psychiatric Excellence Award from the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians and the Gerald Klerman Senior Investigator Award from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. With over 500 articles and chapters related to the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders, Dr. Trivedi was listed on Thomas Reuters' World's Most Influential Scientific Minds in each year since 2014 as one of the most highly cited researchers in the U.S. field of Psychiatry. Series editor: Steven M. Strakowski, MD, Founding Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin