Emotional Processing

The Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre has recently commenced a new study which aims to provide a better understanding of how people with depression process emotional stimuli. We know that when they are depressed people attend more to negative than positive information but we do not yet understand the brain processes behind this. It is hoped that by providing a better understanding of these processes we will gain a better understanding of depression which will ultimately inform new treatment options.

We are currently seeking volunteers who meet the following criteria:

§ Women with a diagnosis of Major Depression;

§ Currently experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms;

§ Aged between 20 & 60 years;

§ Right handed;

§ Do not have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or psychotic symptoms;

§ Medication free or taking only one antidepressant medication.

Participation would involve attending the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre for two sessions. The first session will consist of a clinical interview. The second involves an EEG recording (EEG is a common, painless, and non-invasive procedure used to record electrical activity from the brain) concurrent with completion of a simple computerised task.

Each session will take approximately two hours and participants will be reimbursed $25 per session for the time and inconvenience of participation.

If you are interested in being involved, or if you would like to discuss the project further, please contact Rebecca Segrave on 9076 8538 or at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .