(Philadelphia, PA) -- Dwight L. Evans, MD, the Ruth Meltzer Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has earned the 2004 Award for Research in Mood Disorders from the American College of Psychiatrists. This award which honors an individual or individual whose group has made major contributions to the understanding and treatment of mood disorders is presented annually. Dr. Evans was chosen from among those scholars and scientific investigators who have displayed excellence in research and who are devoted to assisting people suffering from mood disorders.

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.

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Contact: Ed Federico
ed.federico@uphs.upenn.edu
215-662-2560
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
29-Dec-2004

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