News Release

September 30, 2005

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Free Depression Screenings October 6th at UConn Health Center

Help Available on National Depression Screening Day

FARMINGTON, CONN. – In an effort to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms and treatments of depression, the University of Connecticut Health Center will participate in National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 6. Health Center professionals from the Department of Psychiatry will offer free, confidential depression screenings throughout the day.

Screenings will be held on the third floor, east wing, of the Health Center’s 10 Talcott Notch medical office building, across the street from the main Health Center campus. Here are the times:

• 8 to 9:30 a.m.
• Noon to 2 p.m.
• 4 to 6 p.m.

Depression screenings typically last between 10 and 15 minutes. Participants take a written screening test, pick up educational brochures and meet individually with a clinician for a brief screening interview. Clinicians will listen, provide comfort and when necessary, offer referrals for further evaluation.

“Depression is a major health problem, caused by a wide range of biological, social and psychological factors,” said Leighton Huey, M.D., chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Health Center. “Fortunately, most people with depression can be treated. The screening is an opportunity to learn more about the illnesses of depression and manic-depression.”

Symptoms of depression include a feeling of sadness, a loss of pleasure in usual activities, changes in sleep and appetite, hopelessness, guilt, inability to concentrate and thoughts of death and suicide. “And depression doesn’t discriminate. It can affect men and women, young and old, of every nationality and heritage,” Dr. Huey added.

To make an appointment for a screening call the Health Center at 860-679-7692 or 800-535-6232.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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