A persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood. Decreased energy, fatigue, restlessness, irritability. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, despair.

These are some of the symptoms of depression. Every year, about 18.8 million American adults suffer from this prevalent form of mental illness. But depression can be effectively treated with prescription drugs and other kinds of therapy.

On Friday, June 6th, during KMUW's Morning Edition, KMUW featured a report on depression, its causes, consequences and cures. Later that morning at 11:30, the KU School of Medicine, Wichita's Sheldon H. Preskorn, presented a Live and Learn Lecture titled "The Challenges of Depression & Other Mental Illnesses" at 1010 N. Kansas. These presentations were part of the "Chronic Illness, Acute Answers" series, made possible by KMUW FM 89; The KU School of Medicine, Wichita; The Medical Society of Sedgwick County, and the Family Health Channel.

Listen to the story Sam Hendren, Producer
Listen to the lecture Dr. Sheldon H. Preskorn, KU School of Medicine-Wichita
Listen to the call-in Sam Hendren is joined by Dr. Preskorn and takes your calls.

Web resources for further information:
National Mental Health Association
Depression Screening ---NMHA
Mental Health

Sound Partners for Community Health is a program of the Benton Foundation. Support for this website was provided by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.