New Videos about Treatment-Resistant Depression Launch on World Mental Health Day to Bring Attention to Complex, Debilitating Condition

TITUSVILLE, N.J., Oct. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Research & Development, LLC ("Janssen") recognizes World Mental Health Day today by launching two new videos about treatment-resistant depression as part of its Healthy Minds video series on YouTube.

The new videos, part of Janssen's Healthy Minds initiative, focus on the perspectives of Therese Borchard, a mental health activist and writer who suffers from this complex condition, and Dr. David Hough, a psychiatrist and clinical researcher at Janssen. The videos explore what it's like to suffer from a form of depression that is not responsive to available therapies over time. They provide insights about how patients can work with their health care team to develop a holistic treatment approach for treatment-resistant depression and remain hopeful about their mental health. The series is hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Vicki Mabrey.

Depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide, and more than 300 million people suffer from the condition.¹ An estimated 30 percent of patients with major depressive disorder are considered to suffer from treatment-resistant depression, because they do not respond to two or more treatments for depression, taken at different times.² In the United States alone, approximately 6 million people suffer from treatment-resistant depression.³

"I've been living with treatment-resistant depression all my life and I'm happy to share my personal story to help raise awareness of this disabling disease," said Therese Borchard.

"Many people with depression spend years trying to find a treatment that they respond to.  While it varies from person to person, causes of treatment-resistant depression can be biological, genetic or even situational," said David Hough, M.D., Clinical Leader, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen. "On World Mental Health Day, Janssen applauds patient advocates like Therese who are committed to raising awareness of treatment-resistant depression and who persevere in their search for a holistic treatment plan to manage this condition."

"At Janssen, we're dedicated to breaking the stigma of mental illness and developing innovative treatments based on cutting-edge science. The Healthy Minds video series provide insights about patients with mental illness who are living successfully," said Husseini K. Manji, M.D., a psychiatrist and Global Head of Neuroscience at Janssen. "We strive to keep the conversation about mental health open and informative to help those around the world who suffer from complex conditions like treatment-resistant depression."

Janssen's Healthy Minds initiative is dedicated to advancing neuroscience research, news and information about mental health. The video series serves as a platform to share information about Janssen's innovation in neuroscience, mental health education, public health and advocacy. Janssen is pleased to join others around the world on World Mental Health Day to fight the stigma of mental illness. These new videos can be viewed on J&J and Janssen YouTube channels.

About Janssen Research & Development, LLC
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Janssen Research & Development is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Please visit www.janssenrnd.com for more information.

About Janssen's Healthy Minds Program
Janssen's interests in integrated care for brain diseases have a direct connection to the Janssen Healthy Minds program, launched in 2011 to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and public-sector organizations to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for neurologic and brain diseases. Healthy Minds builds on Janssen's longstanding legacy of achievement in advancing neuroscience research. The company's work in this area dates back to the 1950s, when Dr. Paul Janssen's discovery and development work led to one of the first breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia. Janssen takes its name from "Dr. Paul," who is known as one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers.

Over the last half century, Janssen has discovered, developed and launched many innovative treatments for brain and CNS conditions and remains firmly committed to neuroscience. Janssen supports public and professional education about mental illness and brain disorders, and funds sponsorships and philanthropy in the field of neuroscience and mental health.

Media Contact:
Greg Panico 
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
908-240-2011
[email protected]

¹ WHO, Depression Fact Sheet, 2017   
² Patient Prefer Adherence, 2012; 6: 369–388   
³ IMS and Truven Health

SOURCE Janssen Research & Development, LLC