UCSF’s Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute will offer a free lecture and screening in observance of National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 10 from 12 noon-1:30 pm in the first floor auditorium at 401 Parnassus Ave. The event is the only one available in San Francisco and is free and open to the general public.

An educational lecture will take place during the first 30 minutes; then the remainder of the time will be used for screening and referrals. There will be no treatment given, but referrals for treatment will be available. The screening will be free and anonymous.

“Depression is a major cause of disability worldwide, outranking other illnesses such as cancer and coronary artery disease,� said Stuart J. Eisendrath, MD, UCSF professor and clinical psychiatry. “It is important to identify depression,� he added, “because it is a readily treatable disease.� Eisendrath is director of ambulatory services at LPPI hospital and clinics.

The October 10 event was organized as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, and was designed to call attention to the illnesses of depression, manic-depression and anxiety as well as educate the public about their symptoms and effective treatment. The event also offers individuals the opportunity to be screened for the disorders and to connect those in need of treatment to the mental health care system.

For more information, call (415) 476-7500 or visit the website www.mentalhealth screening.org.