Treatment —With greater understanding about the brain
mechanisms involved in memory, decision making, and emotional responses
to traumatic events, researchers are revisiting and redesigning many of
the treatments currently in use for mental disorders. Translation of
basic science findings into innovative behavioral and pharmacological
treatments that can either correct or compensate for brain dysfunctions
will yield more effective treatments.
Prevention —Though genetic factors may play some role in
predisposing individuals to developing depression, it is clear that the
triggers for depression are largely environmental. As a result, studies
aimed at identifying and understanding the environmental risk factors
for depression should provide insights for developing novel behavioral,
educational, and pharmacological methods for preventing depressive
symptoms from occurring or reducing their duration and severity when
they do recur.
Service Systems and the Delivery of Treatment
—Understanding and correcting disparities in access to and quality of
mental health treatment not only will benefit individuals who have mood
disorders, but also will help to raise the overall quality and
effectiveness of health care services.