Research in the Joseph Gallo Lab focuses on the form and course of depression in older adults; treatment in primary care settings; the use of mixed methods in health services research; and the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in the population. Using NIMH Epidemiologic Catchment Area survey data, we have conducted studies using novel statistical modeling (the MIMIC model) to explore how depression presents differently among older adults versus younger people. We are taking part in the long-term follow-up of PROSPECT (Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly – Collaborative Trial) — a randomized study of depression management in primary care practices — and have examined mortality as an outcome in the context of medical comorbidity.

Research in the Cynthia Boyd Lab concentrates on the clinical care of comorbid chronically ill and frail older adults, both chronically and during acute illnesses. Current projects focus on the treatment burden among older adults with multimorbidity, the importance of competing risks in decision-making for the elderly, the effects of guided care on the quality of care and the improvement of clinical practice guidelines for the elderly.

Research in the Daniel Ford Lab seeks to understand the relationships between depression and various chronic medical conditions. Recently, we've focused on depression and coronary artery disease as well as tactics for improving care for patients with medical comorbidity. Our research was among the first to document depression as a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke. Our team is also interested in exploring how information technology can be used to improve the care of patients with depression and tobacco abuse.

Research in the Nadia Hansel Lab investigates the clinical, pathophysiologic and public health aspects of pulmonary diseases, with a focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We have explored how environmental exposures, nutrition and diet, comorbidity and other factors influence the outcomes of diseases such as asthma and COPD.