September 17, 2025

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that Alan F. Schatzberg is the recipient of the 2025 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health for his work advancing knowledge and treatment of depressive disorders, with an emphasis on psychopharmacology. The award, which recognizes Schatzberg’s achievements with a medal and $20,000, will be presented at the NAM Annual Meeting on Oct. 19. Schatzberg is the Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and director of its Mood Disorders Center.

Schatzberg’s research, teaching, and clinical treatment of major depression has influenced the practice of psychopharmacology and impacted the lives of millions of patients around the world. In addition to his research on major depressive disorder and hypercortisolism in psychotic depression, Schatzberg has contributed to the development of numerous depression treatments including a brain stimulation treatment for resistant depression and uncovered the antidepressant effects of ketamine through its mu opioid activity.

Read the full press release from the National Academy of Medicine »