DBSA Gerald L. Klerman Awards

The Gerald L. Klerman Award is the highest honor that DBSA gives to members of the scientific community. Presented each year, this award recognizes researchers whose work furthers knowledge of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. Up to two awards are given annually in each of two categories: DBSA Gerald L. Klerman Award, Senior Investigator and DBSA Gerald L. Klerman Award, Young Investigator.

Gerald L. Klerman (1928-1992) was an educator, researcher, clinician, author, and administrator who specialized in depression, schizophrenia, and panic and other anxiety disorders. He was also one of DBSA’s earliest supporters. Klerman conducted the first clinical trial showing the efficacy of medication and psychotherapy in preventing recurrent depression and led the first large-scale, multisite study to understand the diagnosis, course, and genetics of major depression. Still ongoing, the study has provided critical findings on the nature of depressive disorder.

From 1966 to 1970 Klerman served on the faculty at Yale University. He subsequently moved to Harvard University where he taught at the medical school and was director of psychiatric research at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as director of the Eric Lindemann Mental Health Center. He was appointed head of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration from 1977 to 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, and then became professor of psychiatry and vice chairman of research at Cornell Medical College and New York Hospital. He was the author of numerous articles and books.