From: Amanda Ducey

Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 2:20 PM

To: 'maryayala@iheartmedia.com'
Subject: Interview Opportunity: Feeling Blue this Holiday Season? You are not Alone!

Hi Mary,
I am emailing on behalf of the National Association of Mental Illness with
an interview opportunity with a local Doctor and psych expert. We are extending
our outreach and awareness of Major Depressive Disorder especially now that it
is the holiday season. Please let me know if you have any time of your station for
a quick interview live or taped.
Thank You,
Amanda Ducey
Zcomm

How Can A Person Tell The Difference

Between Seasonal Gloom And A More
Serious Depression?
16 Million Americans Suffer From Major Depressive Disorder, But Nearly
HALF Go Untreated
Interview Opportunity with Dr. Gustavo Alva, MD,
DFAPA _______________________________________________________________
_____________
(Los Angeles) -- As the seasons change, many people may begin to experience feelings of
sadness which are often described as the holiday gloom. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the
difference between bouts of sadness and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), MDD is one of the most common
mental disorders in the United States. As serious as this disease may be, it is treatable. Yet,
nearly half of the estimated 16 million Americans suffering from MDD go untreated.
Symptoms of MDD: MDD is a serious disease that can affect ones thoughts, feelings, behavior,
mood and physical health. Symptoms include depressed mood, lack of interest, changes in
appetite, sleep disturbances, movement changes, loss of energy, feelings of hopelessness or
guilt, poor concentration, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Impact: MDD is a heterogeneous disease, and every patient can present with different
symptoms. Men and women often present symptoms of depression differently. Family and friends
of those struggling with MDD are also affected, as they seek to support their loved ones.

Interview Opportunity: Dr. Gustavo Alva, MD, DFAPA is available to lend his expertise as a
leading specialist in Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Alva will provide valuable information about
MDD, the symptoms to look for when diagnosing MDD, and treatment options.

Suggested Interview Questions:

What symptoms are required for an MDD diagnosis?
How can I tell the difference between MDD and just feeling the winter blues?
Why are millions undiagnosed and untreated?
What does functional impairment mean when it comes to MDD?
How can family and friends help loved ones who may suffer from MDD?
What are some treatment options for MDD?
WHO: Dr. Gustavo Alva, MD, DFAPA
WHAT: Phone interviews
CONTACT: To schedule an interview, contact Cielo Villasenor at 202.821.1020 ext. 102 or
at cielov@zpr.com
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