Session Description:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of mental health-related disease burden globally, affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide. MDD is a debilitating condition, with symptoms leading to significant social impairment. Given the prevalence of the condition and the multidimensional nature of MDD, effective treatment leading to full functional recovery is a necessity.

This symposium will highlight hot topics from a clinical perspective, with a focus on symptoms of emotional blunting and anhedonia. In addition, the aspect of trauma in patients with depression will be considered.

Andrea Fagiolini will open the session with an overview of the impact of emotional blunting and lack of motivation on patients with depression, and will present recent evidence on treatments that address these aspects.

Guy Goodwin will further explore the prevalence of emotional blunting in patients with MDD and will describe assessment using the Oxford Depression Questionnaire.

Katherine Shear will consider more broadly the topic of psychological trauma, with a particular focus on traumatic grief.

Andrea Fagiolini will conclude with presentation of recent data on the treatment of the sub-population of patients with depression who have a history of psychological trauma.

The session will be followed by a question-and-answer panel discussion, during which your active participation is encouraged.