Conference to Educate Clinicians on the Use of Light Therapy to Treat Mood Disorders
WHAT: Experts from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry will present research focused on the use of light therapy to treat mood disorders, including seasonal affective disorder, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. This hands-on conference will offer education to providers in psychiatry, psychology, social work and primary health care. The event will cover diagnostic criteria for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and major mood disorders, the indications for light therapy, and practical information on how to prescribe light therapy and properly monitor clinical response. Members of the media are welcome to attend.
WHO: Primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, counselors and other health professionals who treat patients with mood disorders. Speakers will include:
- Namni Goel, Ph.D., associate professor in psychology and psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
- Kathryn Roecklein, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
- Katherine L. Wisner, M.D., M.S., professor of psychiatry, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences and epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Dorothy Sit, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011
WHERE: Sheraton Hotel at Station Square, 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
WHY: Light therapy is used to alleviate a range of mood symptoms, sleep impairment and circadian rhythm disturbances associated with SAD, non-seasonal major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. It is an important treatment option because it is effective for both seasonal and non-seasonal depression.
For more information or to register for the conference, visit the website at http://www.wpic.pitt.edu/oerp/conferences.