The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) is an international, non-profit organisation dedicated to two main objectives: improving the treatment of individuals with depression and preventing suicidal behaviour. The EAAD currently comprises 31 members from Europe, Canada, South America, Africa, and Australia.
The EAAD was established in 2008 after the completion of a European Union (EU) funded research project that had implemented and evaluated a community-based intervention programme (so-called “4-level intervention”) targeting depression and suicide in various regions in Europe. Ever since, one main goal of the EAAD has been to sustain and expand the 4-level intervention activities worldwide.
Furthermore, the EAAD established an awareness website (www.ifightdepression.com) providing comprehensive information about depression and where to get help. The EAAD further provides a cost-free, guided online self-management programme for depression (“iFightDepression® tool”).
The EAAD is coordinating MENTBEST and several other EU-funded research projects.
Project Staff
Professor Ulrich Hegerl (Project Lead)
President EAAD
Prof. Ulrich Hegerl is the President of the EAAD. He is also the President of the German Depression Foundation and holder of the Johann Christian Senckenberg Distinguished Professorship at the Goethe University Frankfurt. Prof. Hegerl is an international expert in depression research and suicide prevention and has coordinated several large EU-funded projects on these topics, including EAAD-Best, PREDI-NU, and OSPI Europe.
Team Members
Carolina Piña
Carolina Piña holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and completed her Master of Science degree in Health Science. She has several years of experience in academia and has been involved in various research projects. She currently works as a Project Manager at EAAD and supports the administration of the EU-funded projects MentBox, MENTBEST and PROSPERH, as well as other EAAD activities.
Dr. Pia Hauck
Dr. Pia Hauck works as a project manager and international coordinator at EAAD. She currently supports the EU-funded projects MentBox and EAAD-Grow and is in charge of Public Relations and other activities at EAAD. Pia holds a PhD in psychology and conducted research in perception psychology. She has experience in both academic and applied research, as well as in marketing and communications in the educational and cultural sector.