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Depression

Untreated clinical depression and other mental illnesses can result in serious consequences for individuals, families, and society. RAND research seeks to optimize the use of effective treatments for depression whether in a primary care setting or by psychiatric professionals, and to understand the impact of depressive disorders on various populations, including new mothers, teens, substance abusers, and those with other illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Research conducted by: RAND Health; RAND National Security Research Division; RAND Gulf States Policy Institute; Invisible Wounds of War Project

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Allegheny County Maternal Depression and Child Health Care Initiative

The Allegheny County Maternal Depression and Child Health Care Initiative helped to promote healthy lifestyles and positive health outcomes, reduce preventable disease and environmental health risks, eliminate health disparities, and ensure access to quality care for young children, mothers, and families.

News Releases (3)

Depression Associated with Lower Medication Adherence Among Patients with Chronic Disease — May 10, 2011

People who are depressed are less likely to adhere to medications for their chronic health problems than patients who are not depressed, putting them at increased risk of poor health.

News Release

One In Five Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Suffer from PTSD or Major Depression — Apr 17, 2008

Nearly 20 percent of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan — 300,000 in all — report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or major depression, yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment.