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Major Depressive Disorder In Chronic Kidney Disease
A regional Virtual Live Event for PsychU members in ID, NV, and NephU members in WA, OR, ID, AK, MT.
There is a high prevalence of depression among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This presentation will examine the clinical overlap between CKD and major depressive disorder (MDD) in symptomatology, behavioral and biological mechanisms, the impact of comorbid depression on CKD outcomes, and strategies for effective management of depression in CKD.
Speakers are employees of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.
Featured Speakers

Laura Frank, PhD, MPH, RDN, CD
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.*
Dr Laura Frank is a Nephrology Clinical & Scientific Liaison for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization (OPDC), Inc. With a doctorate in exercise physiology, a master’s degree in public health in epidemiology, a master’s degree in nutrition & dietetics, and a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology, she has spent her career studying the importance of lifestyle management in its role in the prevention and/or attenuation of chronic diseases. Her post-doctoral research at the University of Washington focused on the improvement of metabolic dysregulation through nutrition and/or exercise interventions. As a Registered Dietitian (RD), she has worked in the inpatient and outpatient settings treating patients with renal disease, including Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), and related conditions. As a patient advocate, Dr Frank understands the benefits of Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) to drive collaborative care and to improve quality metrics. Dr Frank has been involved in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and possesses a certificate in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR). She also has a strong academic background, with over 12 years’ experience in teaching graduate and/or undergraduate studies, 11 years’ experience as a clinical preceptor, and 8 years’ experience as director of clinical sites for the coordinated program in dietetics for the Washington State University.

Sucharita Somkuwar, PhD, BPharm
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.*
Areas of Expertise:
- Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
- Pharmacology
- Substance Use Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Location
Online via PsychU.org