Depression and Mood Disorders

Researchers at Baycrest are working toward a better understanding of how antidepressants work in the aging brain.

5% to 10% of seniors living in the community will experience a depressive disorder that is serious enough to require treatment.

brain image Advances in brain imaging over the past two decades have provided an opportunity to better understand the neurochemical changes that occur in patients with serious mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. This information could ultimately have implications for clinical management and treatment.

Dr. Gwen Smith, a senior scientist at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health PET Centre, and director of Research for the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, is heading a study (sponsored by the US National Institute of Health) that is using PET neuroimaging to measure changes in brain chemistry before and during treatment with Citalopram, a drug commonly used to treat depression in the elderly.

She explains that elderly patients do not respond as well to antidepressant medications and their rates of relapse are higher than younger patients. “A better understanding of how these medications work in the brain may inform the development of more effective treatments for the elderly,” says Dr. Smith.

Brain Health Centre Clinics

Mood and Related Disorders Clinic
Patients referred to our clinic may be experiencing problems with mood or having difficulties with grief or anxiety. Our specialists provide assessment, care, education and counseling services on an outpatient basis. Read more

Mood and Related Disorders Programs and Services

Psychiatric Day Hospital for Depression
This out-patient service is for seniors in the community who suffer from depressive illness. Treatment consists of individual and group therapy and medication. Emphasis is placed on treatment of depression and learning new coping skills. Find out more

Other Mood and Related Disorders Programs and Services

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Health Information

Mood and Related Disorders
There are many positive things about growing older. However, people often feel sad and blue about some of the more negative changes or losses in life that happen as we age. Some of those feelings are normal, as long as they do not last for too long, or start to take over a person's life. Read more