German Research Network Depression, Suicidality

Depression is a frequent disease which goes along with big sufferings and is often
extremely perilous. Every fifth German citizen suffers from a depression at least once in her/his life. Although effective treatments are available, only a minority of people concerned is treated optimally.

From 1999 until 2009 the major research project German Research Network Depression, Suicidality was promoted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to remedy diagnostic and therapeutic deficits and to communicate causes of this disease, its symptoms and treatment methods to people concerned but also to the general public aiming to improve knowledge in this area.

During that period of time more than 20 research projects could be carried out all over the country concerning following topics

• suicidal tendency and suicide prevention,
• treatments of minor depressive syndromes,
• quality management in depression treatment,
• mode of action of antidepressant therapies,
• molecular genetics / pharmacokinetics, and
• therapy resistance, chronicity, prediction.

To assure continuity of the research and awareness activities undertaken by the German Research Network Depression, Suicidality the Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe (The German Foundation for Research and Education on Depression) was founded in 2008. Using the motto “study depression – help people concerned – pass on the knowledge” the foundation aims for pushing research activities, helping depressed people to receive fast and adequate treatment, and achieving a better acceptance of depression within society. In the beginning of 2010 the German Foundation for Research and Education on Depression) takes the legal succession of German Research Network Depression, Suicidality.

> Competence Network Depression, Suicidality

> German Foundation for Research and Education on Depression

> overview networks