Depression Clinical and Research Program (DCRP)

Overview

The Depression Clinical and Research Program (DCRP) at Massachusetts General Hospital is recognized as one of the leading centers for the study and care of depression worldwide. We conduct research with a focus on testing novel antidepressant treatments and developing new tools to understand the biological changes that occur in this condition. We are committed to achieving a better understanding of the causes of depression, developing more effective pharmacological, psychosocial, natural and device-based treatments, preventing the tragic outcomes of depression including chronic disability and suicide, and discovering new ways to identify which treatments work best for everyone. For more than three decades, DCRP has been at the forefront of many scientific advances in treatment for depression.

Research Projects

Areas of study in the DCRP include:

• Heat-based therapies (heated yoga, whole body hyperthermia, cryotherapy)
• Ketamine and Psychedelic-based therapies (intravenous and intranasal ketamine; ketamine assisted psychotherapy)
• Wearable devices for treatment response prediction
• Biological characterization of mechanisms of depression (e.g., inflammatory, genetic)
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Well-Being Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• Natural Remedies and other Complementary/Integrative Interventions (Tai Chi)
• Suicide Prevention
• Stigma Reduction

Research Team

Leadership

David Mischoulon, MD, PhD, Director, DCRP
Cristina Cusin, MD, Associate Director, DCRP
Paola Pedrelli, PhD, Associate Director, DCRP
Albert S Yeung, MD, ScD, Associate Director, DCRP
Lauren Fisher, Director of Clinical Services, DCRP

Psychiatrists

Amit Chopra, MD
Simmie Foster, MD
Felipe Jain, MD
Aderonke Pederson, MD
Jonathan Worth, MD
Psychologists
Amanda Collins, PhD
Amy Farabaugh, PhD
Richard Liu, PhD
Naoise Mac Giollabhui, PhD
Maren Nyer, PhD

Research Fellows

Jia Zhou, MD, PhD
Anyuyang Fan, MD, PhD