Depression and autism are subjects of public forum on research

The University of Rochester Medical Center will present a forum on the progress of mental health research Sunday Sept. 14.

The forum is part of "Healthy Minds Across America," which has been organized with NARSAD, a non-profit organization that works to alleviate suffering from mental illness by raising funds for scientific research on the causes, treatment and prevention of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, childhood mental disorders and other conditions.

In all, 48 forums will be held on Sept. 14 at universities and research centers throughout the United States and Canada. The forums are free and open to the public.

At the Medical Center, Emma Robertson-Blackmore, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry, will discuss depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Irene Richard. M.D., associate professor of neurology, will talk about treatment for depression and what has been learned from Parkinson's disease. Christopher Stodgell, Ph.D., research associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, will describe the embryological origins of autism. Each will take questions from the audience.

The three-hour forum begins at 1 p.m. in the Class of 1962 Auditorium. Free parking is available in a lot at the School of Medicine and Dentistry entrance at 415 Elmwood Ave. Although the forum is free of charge, reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, e-mail [email protected] or call 800-829-8289.

The forum also will kick off a major fundraising campaign, which also is called "Healthy Minds Across America." NARSAD plans to raise $200 million in the next five years to increase the funds available for mental health research. Since 1987, the organization has awarded more than $238 million in research funds.