Depressive Disorders

Research on depressive disorders is a core focus of the UTHealth Houston Center for Interventional Psychiatry. The Center’s research program is dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of major depressive disorder and related mood conditions, with particular emphasis on individuals with severe, chronic, and treatment-resistant illness.

Our work addresses the clinical and biological heterogeneity of depression, recognizing that depressive disorders vary widely in symptom presentation, illness course, treatment response, and functional impact.

Research Focus Areas

Research related to depressive disorders at the Center includes:

  • Treatment-resistant depression, including predictors of non-response and relapse
  • Rapid-acting antidepressant treatments, such as ketamine-based and neuromodulation therapies
  • Mechanisms of action underlying interventional treatments and neuroplasticity
  • Clinical outcomes and trajectories across different levels of care
  • Measurement-based approaches to symptom severity, function, and quality of life
  • Depression across the lifespan, including recurrent and chronic presentations

These efforts aim to inform more precise treatment selection and improve long-term outcomes for patients with depressive illness.

Interventional and Translational Research

A distinguishing feature of the Center’s research program is the integration of interventional psychiatry into the study of depressive disorders. Research initiatives examine:

  • Clinical effectiveness and durability of treatments such as ECT, TMS, and ketamine-based therapies
  • Optimization of treatment sequencing and combination strategies
  • Translational links between neuroscience, clinical response, and real-world outcomes

This work bridges fundamental neuroscience, clinical trials, and routine clinical care, supporting the translation of research findings into practice.

Clinical Integration and Collaboration

Research on depressive disorders is closely integrated with the Center’s clinical programs, including the Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) Program. This integration allows for:

  • Systematic evaluation of treatment outcomes
  • Continuous refinement of clinical care pathways
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external research partners

Participation in research is voluntary and conducted under appropriate ethical and regulatory oversight.

Through this research agenda, the Center seeks to advance scientific understanding of depressive disorders and contribute to the development of more effective, personalized treatments for patients with the most challenging forms of depression.