The National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of 16 leading depression centers and academic medical centers dedicated to advancing research, treatment and public education regarding depression and bipolar disorder through comprehensive, multidisciplinary collaboration and national-scale networking of resources. The mission of the NNDC is “to improve the quality, effectiveness, and availability of depression and bipolar diagnosis, treatment, and prevention so people can live better lives.”  

Depression and bipolar disorder are very serious, complicated, and potentially fatal medical illnesses, affecting 21 million people nationwide, more than heart disease (7 million) and cancer (6 million) combined. Though there are many treatment options available, including a variety of medications, psychotherapies, and other alternatives, nearly a third of sufferers do not receive adequate treatment over the course of their lives. Gaps exist in research, misdiagnosis is frequent, and many medications have side effects or low efficacy, leading to low adherence and relapse. Across research facilities, collaboration is infrequent and data is often incompatible. Co-morbidity of depression and other illnesses is frequently left unaddressed in other specialty treatment centers. Patients who receive treatment in many places lack access to specialists, and heavy social stigma discourages many from seeking intervention to begin with. 

The time is now to  address these numerous challenges. The National Network of Depression Centers is taking a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to affect change in research, clinical care, education, and public policy regarding  depression and associated mood disorders in America.

Attached here is the NNDC's 2009 Annual Report

Attached here is the NNDC's 2009 Annual Review