Mood and Anxiety Disorders

DIRECTOR:

Charles L. Bowden, M.D.

MISSION:

The center programs are organized to evaluate and treat major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and the severe forms of anxiety disorder. We are guided by the strong evidence that these disorders tend, without treatment, to be recurrent or chronic. Therefore, we emphasize treatment programs, which offer the best prospects of keeping the patient well and avoiding recurrence of illness. For most patients medications are the cornerstone of optimal treatment for these disorders.

PERSONNEL:

Charles L. Bowden, M.D. Major depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorders

John Casada, M.D. Anxiety and mood disorders

Cheryl L. Gonzales, M.D. Mood disorders

Linda Rhodes, M.D. Mood disorders, eating disorders

Stephen Shanfield, M.D. Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology of anxiety and mood disorders

Jair Soares, M.D. Bipolar disorder

Stephen L. Stern, M.D. Major depression, mood and anxiety disorders associated with general medical disorders

Peter Thompson, M.D. Mood disorders

Tyler Burnett, MSW Counseling, educational programs, group therapy

RESEARCH PROGRAMS:

Several of our psychiatrists are among the leaders in the nation in research into the optimal use of drugs for depression, mania, anxiety and mood stabilization. If you need other treatments instead of or in addition to medications, we will offer these to you. Some patients need more intensive psychotherapy for purposes of improving coping skills, ways of responding to stress, and ways of relating to others. Some refractory forms of depression are best treated with ECT. Since we engage in research studies in all of these areas, if your participation might be of benefit to you, or would aid in our advancing knowledge about these conditions, we may discuss your possible participation with you.

RESEARCH PROJECTS:

Nationwide study of long term outcomes in bipolar disorder using best practice guidelines, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study endeavors to optimize treatments for the different phases of the illness, including special issues such as pregnancy and childbirth.

Treatment of Depression in Bipolar Disorder. Studies of lamotrigine, risperidone, paroxetine, sertraline, bupropion, interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Treatment of Mania in Bipolar Disorder with topiramate, olanzapine, ariperazole, levitiracetam or divalproex.

Studies to determine genetic factors in bipolar disorder, and abnormalities in calcium metabolism and brain function from imaging studies.

Treatment of rapid cycling bipolar disorder (for persons with several episodes yearly) with divalproex, lithium and lamotrigine

PATIENT SERVICES:

Major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and anxiety disorder

Although the principle treatment for most of these disorders is medication, there are often reasons to use other therapies. Some persons have problems in coping tied to ingrained habits. Psychotherapy is often effective in changing and improving these patterns. Other persons may have difficulty in relationships that interfere with their work, family, and friendships. Group therapy is often helpful for these. If we feel that this would aid the patient’s recovery we will arrange these treatments. For some conditions psychotherapy will be the primary treatment.

We encourage spouse and family member involvement in the treatment program and want to help each patient develop a better understanding of his/her illness. If there is anything we have not discussed with them that they think is important, we encourage them to ask us. Medical care is expensive. We do what we can to keep expenses down, but still not take actions that would add risk or otherwise jeopardize the patient’s opportunity to do as well as possible.