University of Michigan Depression Center
OUR MISSION
The University of Michigan Depression Center is the nation’s first comprehensive center devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and related illnesses affecting 18 million Americans every year and deemed by the World Health Organization as the most disabling disorders in the world.
The Center’s multidisciplinary teams of internationally recognized clinicians, researchers and educators are dedicated to the advancement of patient care, research, education and public policy related to depression. Their pursuit of excellence includes:
- The rapid translation of research advances that lead to earlier detection and more effective prevention and treatment outcomes for depression
- Collaborative and integrated treatment provided in a warm and healing environment that positions Michigan as a model and preferred referral site
- Educating the public about depression and training new generations of clinicians, teachers, scientists and community leaders who will advance the field well into the twenty-first century
- Leading the campaign locally and nationally to de-stigmatize depression
- Providing a prototype and advocacy for a national network of depression centers
CROSSING MEDICAL BOUNDARIES
Depression often co-exists with, and can accelerate, other health conditions yet mental health care traditionally happens in isolation of other medical disciplines. The University of Michigan Depression Center’s strategy is to move depression expertise into primary and specialty care settings where patients with depression are most likely to present, including obstetrics and geriatric clinics, cancer and cardiovascular centers, college student health services, and middle and secondary schools. This proactive and coordinated care approach helps to achieve key objectives of earlier detection, and the best diagnosis and treatment possible.
ACCELERATING THE PACE OF DISCOVERY
The Depression Center is constantly expanding its research efforts to develop new knowledge about the origins of depression. This is accelerated by breaking down invisible walls between behavioral, cognitive, and neuro-scientific research, and encouraging collaborative research.
The Center creates an environment for such cross-institutional relationships that lead to advances in neuroimaging, molecular genetics, microarray genetics, pharmacogenetics, brain studies, neuro-endocrine and neuro-peptide research, as well as the bioinformatics infrastructure required to support and accelerate investigations. The Center’s clinical research strategy involves studies on the causes of depression, new medications, clinical outcomes research, and the efficacy of biological and psychosocial interventions.
The Depression Center has brought together over 100 depression researchers and clinicians from across the university including Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Kinesiology, Social Work, Pharmacy, Nursing, the Institute for Social Research, and the Life Sciences Institute. This synergy of scholarly activity continually inspires multidisciplinary projects that translate into new education, research and clinical treatment strategies.
KNOWLEDGE HEALS
Depression is the “under” disease — under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-discussed. The real tragedy is that depression is a highly treatable illness. A lack of knowledge and understanding contribute to the social stigma surrounding depression. As a result, many people avoid treatment or never even realize they have depression.
Through national conferences and education programs, the Depression Center is helping by bringing attention to issues such as depression in college students, the effects of maternal stress on infants, the impact of depression in the workplace, and the physical symptoms of depression. The Center is publishing the latest educational materials to help people fully understand depression and its treatment options, and empowering them to actively participate in their treatment decisions with their health care providers. Corporations such as Ford and General Motors are partnering with the Center to develop depression management programs for their employees.
ANTITHESIS OF DEPRESSION
In 2003, the University of Michigan Regents approved a $38 million building project that will help the Depression Center lead the way in expanding the treatment, research and education needed to counteract depressive illnesses in the United States. The opening of the new 112,500 square foot facility is planned for 2006. To recognize the very generous contribution of Edwin E. and Mary U. Meader (born Rachel Mary Upjohn), the facility will be named the "Rachel Upjohn Building." The facility will promote inter-disciplinary care, advanced clinical delivery, and state-of-the-art translational research -- all cornerstones of the Center. Its design brings together patient care, professional training, research, education and community outreach programs in a single building. In addition, it will provide the opportunity to help diminish depression’s stigma through the very existence of a ‘depression center.’ Its architectural features will create a bright, open, healing environment that is the antithesis of depression.
WHAT IS NEEDED NOW
Having met the philanthropy goal to build the new facility through the generous support of many individual and organizational donors, the Depression Center is now focusing attention on seeking support for the work that goes on within the Center. A philanthropy goal of $37.5 million has been set, with a focus on raising funds for leading-edge research; clinical, educational and outreach programs; and ongoing operations. The Center is seeking partnerships with donors to catalyze a major shift in the way that depression is perceived, diagnosed and treated in this nation.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Contact Karen Crawford
Office: 734.647.9138
Email: kcraw@umich.edu
To learn more about the Depression Center, visit our web site.