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Deborah T. Gold

Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychiatry
Box 3003 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
1507 Busse Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


My research has centered on the psychosocial consequences of chronic illness for older adults. Although I have studied breast cancer, syncope, head and neck cancer, Parkinson's disease and Paget's disease of bone, my primary interest and focus has been on osteoporosis and its psychological and social impact on those who suffer from it.

In particular, my current research focuses on compliance and persistence with osteoporosis medications. One current study focuses on the impact of race/ethnicity on medication decision making. We are trying to determine the relative weight of cost, convenience, dosing interval, efficacy, and safety in making medication decisions and taking medication on a regular basis as prescribed by a health care provider. I am also on the Steering Committees of two major observational studies with different osteoporosis medications.

Finally, I have worked with voluntary health organizations to translate our research findings into positive real-world outcomes for people with chronic illness. I serve on the Board of Trustees of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and am Chair of its Education Committee. I have also chaired the International Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO) for the last 8 years.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2020 - Present Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychiatry, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development · 1989 - Present Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


Treatment patterns in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis using abaloparatide: a real-world observational study.

Journal Article Osteoporos Int · August 2024 UNLABELLED: Review of medical records from 173 women with osteoporosis who received abaloparatide treatment revealed that 96.0% had at least one visit for osteoporosis management and 55.5% had medication support group access. The most common reasons for di ... Full text Link to item Cite

A Qualitative Study to Assess US Patient Preferences between new Transdermal System and Injectable Anabolic Therapies for Osteoporosis Treatment.

Journal Article Arch Osteoporos · April 4, 2022 UNLABELLED: US patients with osteoporosis included in three focus groups identified efficacy, safety, cost, and convenience as important attributes of treatment when choosing between anabolic therapies with high stated preference for the solid Microstructu ... Full text Link to item Cite

Keepers of the House: A documentary.

Journal Article Clin Teach · February 2022 BACKGROUND: Our documentary, Keepers of the House, highlights ways that hospital housekeepers, typically unnoticed care team members, provide emotional support for patients and their families. This film addresses a gap in education by emphasizing the impor ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Behavior And Physiology In Aging

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEProject Coordinator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1999 - 2015

APOE, Quality of Life and Medical Costs in Late Life

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2000 - 2004

Phase Ten Year Follow up

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1997 - 2000

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Education, Training & Certifications


Northwestern University · 1986 Ph.D.