Mood disorders encompass those psychiatric disorders in which a disturbance of mood is the predominant feature, including depressive, dysthymic and bipolar disorders. These disorders affect millions of people throughout the world, can be life threatening, and result in considerable suffering and disability.
According to Dr. Evans, "Depression has become the number one cause of disability within Western Europe and North America. In the United States, approximately 20 million people suffer from serious depression and close to one million people attempt suicide each year. In this country, a person dies from suicide every 18 minutes, over 30,000 deaths each year. Further research is critical to address this worldwide public health problem."
The award, which was first given in 1998, will be presented at The College's Annual Meeting in February 2005. Dr. Evans will present a featured lecture summarizing his work. The American College of Psychiatrists is a non-profit honorary association of psychiatrists who, through excellence in their chosen fields, have been recognized for their significant contributions to the profession.
Editor's Note: You may also find this news release on-line at www.uphs.upenn.edu/news.
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