Not a day goes by without a significant depression-related announcement. Yesterday, one could read that Older Women More Likely to Suffer Depression (than Older Men; in the Washington Post). Today, we see that St. Jude Starting Trial On Brain Stimulation For Depression (CNN). A few days ago, Blue Cross of California Launched Maternity Depression Program (press release).

Time to step back and ask ourselves questions such as, “What is going On”, “What is Depression”, “What Treatments Work, and What is the Latest Research”. Fortunately, thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine, Jill Suttie offers a fascinating answers to those questions-and more. Enjoy.

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Closing the Circuit

Helen Mayberg’s research could revolutionize depression treatment.

— By Jill Suttie.

At some point in their lives, 5 to 12 percent of American men and 10-25 percent of women will suffer an episode of depression, making it the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder today. Unlike normal sadness, which passes with time, depression feels unstoppable and causes people to lose interest in nearly all activities. Because it affects a person’s ability to eat, sleep, work, and function normally, it exacts a huge cost on the economy, estimated at $30 billion dollars annually. The cost in human suffering cannot be measured.

Millions of people diagnosed with depression turn to medication as a treatment, and many of the most popular Read the rest of this entry »

Zack Lynch from NeuroInsights reminds us that the earlybird registration for the Neurotech Industry Investing and Business conference is about to expire. You can register by April 13th to save $300.

Conference Details:

Date: May 17 – 18, 2007
Location: Westin San Francisco, Millbrae, CA

Highly recommended conference for anyone working on biotech, medical devices, diagnostics and neurotechnology in general, and with added value for anyone interested in learning more about science-based Brain Fitness thanks to what we hope will be a groundbreaking panel:

Title: Brain Fitness Through Software and Neurofeedback

Thursday May 17th, 4.45-5.30pm

Description: Spurred by the discovery of neuroplasticity, the aging baby boomer population and demand for safe treatments for childhood ADHD, software companies, large and small, are venturing into the realm of Read the rest of this entry »