About NESDA

About NESDA
Depression and anxiety disorders are common at all ages. Approximately one out of three people in the Netherlands will be faced with them at some time during their lives. It is still not clear why some people recover quickly and why others suffer for long periods of time. The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) was therefore designed to investigate the course of depression and anxiety disorders over a period of several years. We have recruited 2981 partcipants with and without symptoms from primary care practices and specialised mental health institutions in the regions of Amsterdamand Leiden, and in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland. Inclusion is complete; we do not need any more participants.

Aim
The main aim of NESDA is to determine the factors that influence the development and the long-term prognosis of anxiety and depression. The researchers will try to find answers to important questions like:
- What makes people susceptible to anxiety disorders or
depressions?
- Why is one person depressed for three months, while the other
is depressed for three years?
- What is the influence of biological and genetic factors?
- What are the implications of a depression or anxiety
disorder for income and work?

We expect the results of this study to contribute to the improvement of care for persons with anxiety or depression. In addition, reliable data is needed to establish appropriate preventative measures.

Cooperation
NESDA is a cooperative project of
- VU University Medical Center
- Leiden University Medical Center/Leiden University
- University Medical Center Groningen / Groningen University
- several mental health care institutions
- Trimbos, NIVEL, WOK
- several client organisations
More information about these institutions can be found at NESDA-Consortium.

NESDA more information
More information about the NESDA study, such as used measurement instruments or current ancillary studies, can be required by contacting NESDA.

NESDA Brochure
Click here for an English version of the NESDA brochure in PDF (Acrobat Reader required).
This brochure contains general information about the NESDA study and is meant for researchers, press and others.
A printed version of the brochure can be requested by contacting NESDA.