Richard Weber, Ph.D., joined the DBTS in 1993. He holds patents for these important new discoveries. Dr. Weber is widely credited with discovering a region of the brain which controls immune function. Research in the DBTS is focused on the underlying causes of depression. We are working to develop an improved animal model of the disorder that will enable development of improved concepts and better treatments.
Human depression is partly the result of genetic abnormalities.
The model under development in the Department represents a major step forward compared with other models because it is genetic in character.