Treating depression and anxiety--can we get past the trial and error approach

Speakers:

Patrick J. McGrath, M.D. Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

Sarah Fader, Founder & CEO, Stigma Fighters

Despite years of progress, the stigma of having a mood disorder like depression, or an anxiety disorder like panic disorder is still considerable.  People experience disbelief from family, co-workers, and friends that this is a medical problem rather than a matter of needing to exert willpower and fortitude.  Sarah Fader and her organization, Stigma Fighters are working hard to address this issue for people with these disorders and will discuss her advocacy work in this regard.  Even when a mood or anxiety disorder has been diagnosed and is being treated, unfortunately selection of the correct treatment is still a matter of trial and error, with the attendant delay and frustration.  Dr. Patrick McGrath is engaged in a pioneering study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, called EMBARC, which seeks to make the first steps toward a future where testing will help predict which treatment will be most effective.  Ms. Fader and Dr. McGrath will discuss these efforts to assist those having these disorders."

Sarah Fader can be reached at www.stigmafighters.com