DepressioNet

DepressioNet is a website which states that it aims to help readers "locate help and healthcare professionals as well as information about causes, symptoms and various treatment options in managing depression." The website receives funding from the Australian government, the MBF Foundation and the drug company Wyeth

The website was created in June 2000 by Leanne Pethick, who was also on the editorial board of the website "Yes to Life", a depression website run by Wyeth.

Funding
On its website DepressioNet states that, as of December 2008, its current funding includes:


 * the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging - $1 million over three years;
 * MBF Foundation - $500,000 over three years;
 * AWB - $40,500
 * Trust Company - $39,890
 * Telematics Trust - $29,500
 * Foster's Group - $29,140
 * Wyeth Australia, $20,000 (In 2006 DepressioNet stated on its website that Wyeth contributed $50,000, making it the second largest funder at that time.)
 * Timothy Sharp & Associates - $27,500
 * The Merrin Foundation - $20,000
 * The Bell Foundation - $18,000

Drug company funding
In 2003 The Age newspaper reported that "Ms Pethick helps with training seminars for Wyeth's sales team" and that DepressioNet received a one-off grant of $20,000 from the makers of Prozac, Eli Lilly. . In 2005 it was also reported that Pethrick "does talks for drug companies about depression and is paid $1000 for each talk."

Staff

 * Terry Houguet-Pincham, CEO
 * Linda Dillon, Company Secretary

Board of directors

 * Ted Davies - Chair
 * Peter Lowe
 * Jan Land

Patrons

 * Professor Gordon Parker - Director, Black Dog Institute
 * Professor Helen Herrman

Ambassadors

 * Sarah Cornally

Former Directors

 * Lyndon Goulding

Contact details
PO Box 2375 Richmond VIC 3121 Australia

Phone: +61 3 9428 2229 Email: team AT ihealth.org.au Web: http://www.depressionservices.org.au/

Other SourceWatch Resources

 * Patient Groups/Australia
 * Astroturf Marketing
 * Disease Mongering