Depression is the second greatest cause of disability worldwide, with an estimated 350 million people affected. In addition to its own serious effects on the individual’s psychological well-being, research has shown that depression is a major contributor to physical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and health problems related to the immune system. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. The ultimate mission of the UCSF Depression Center is to reduce the prevalence of depression and its adverse effects on the individuals and families who experience it.
The UCSF Depression Center is now in its 16th year of existence and its eighth year as a founding member of the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC). Our highly committed, world-class faculty and staff offer state of the art treatment for depression, provide outstanding educational programs, and conduct innovative, cutting-edge research to better understand depression and design new treatments. We strive to provide the best care for persons with depression in a Center that holds the highest standards in research, education, and clinical practice.
As a member of the NNDC, the UCSF Depression Center collaborates with 22 other top-ranked academic medical centers to advance depression research, develop clinical guidelines for best practices in care, educate the public and policy makers, and decrease the stigma of depression. The NNDC follows the successful lead of the comprehensive cancer centers whose multi-site collaborations have led to dramatic improvements in state-of-the-art treatment and expertise nationwide. The goal of the NNDC and the UCSF Depression Center is to achieve this same success in the prevention and treatment of depression throughout the world.
For more information about the National Network of Depression Centers, please visit their website at nndc.org or connect with them on Facebook.
