Douglas offers new comprehensive depressive disorders program

Verdun, February 8, 2006 – We all get bouts of the blues, but for some this is more serious and severe. Some of us are clinically depressed and affected by a lifelong mood disorder. Depression doesn’t only affect adults, children as young as six-years old may be afflicted. How can we help those who have suicidal thoughts before they take action? The Douglas Hospital is offering a new service – the Depressive Disorders Program. This program, which recently opened its doors, provides cutting edge treatment for patients of all ages and offers family support.

“Evidence indicates that depression in youths is often not recognized by their primary care provider and as many as 75 percent of these depressed youths fail to receive any kind of care,” says psychiatrist, Johanne Renaud, MD, FRCPC, responsible for the youth section of the program. “Considering that approximately 10 percent of youths suffer from a depressive disorder, there is a clear need for a specialized service that will accommodate them in their youth and which will continue into adulthood.”

“We are providing a unique super-specialized service - comprehensive care from childhood to adulthood” says Program Director, Gustavo Turecki, MD PhD. “Most of these individuals will be affected throughout their life. With this program there is no need to shuffle between institutions. In addition, we frequently see families where more than one of the members has a depressive disorder. We are able to provide therapy to the whole family and treat them as a complete unit.”

The Depressive Disorders Program treats
• Youth (aged 6 to 18 years) who present with mood disorders,(such as major depression or dysthymia)
• Adults with major refractory disorder (those who are not responding to treatment).
• Individuals with a personal or family history of suicidal behaviour.
• Individuals with problems related to pathological bereavement (extended mourning).

The Depressive Disorders Program offers
• Standardized, and detailed psychiatric evaluation from a multidisciplinary team.
• Treatment intervention including family, and group therapy with or without pharmacotherapy.
• Interventions aimed at suicide prevention.
• Support and liaison with referring physicians.

-30-