June 15, 2001

Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are sometimes misunderstood by the general public. Answers to common questions about such conditions were given at a special Patient and Family Day, hosted June 10 by the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Institute (MADI) of the MGH Psychiatry Department.

Maurizio Fava, MD, MGH Psychiatry

MGH psychiatrists were on hand to talk about symptoms and treatment options and their effects on patients and their families. Topics included anxiety disorders, perinatal and postpartum psychiatric disorders, bipolar disorder and depression.

At the event, the development of the new MGH Psychiatry Patient and Family Resource Center was announced. Currently in the planning stages, the center will provide education programs and resources for patients and their families, as well as a library, resource room and a web page for individuals coping with the effects of psychiatric illnesses.

"The Patient and Family Day was a great success," says Bob Knauz, PhD, director of the Patient and Family Resource Center for MADI. "The feedback from participants was very positive. Patients and family members said that more educational programs such as this are needed. Overall, it was a great start for the new Patient and Family Resource Center."

For more information, call Knauz at (617) 726-9262.