Description
Oxford Depression 2006 Edition by Danuta Wasserman
If you or someone you know has clinical depression, marshalling all the information about the condition and its treatment is the first step to recovery. Depression: The Facts provides an easy to understand overview of clinical depression for sufferers, their friends, and families and also for GP's, psychiatrists and other clinicians. It begins with a close look at the signs and symptoms of clinical depression, as well as the process of diagnosis and the different subtypes (including major depression, dysthymia, manic-depression, and seasonal affective disorder). The second part of the book covers the current understanding of the causes of depression, based on the best scientific evidence. Individual chapters then cover the full range of treatment options available, including antidepressant drugs, behavioural and psychosocial interventions, electroconvulsive therapy and light therapy. The book concludes with practical guidance on self-help in depression, and useful advice for family and friends. ABOUT THE SERIES The Facts Series offers clear, straightforward and practical advice about a range of medical conditions and topics.Every title is written by a specialist in the field, so the reader can be sure that the information is reliable, authoritative and balanced. The experts cover all the most frequently-asked questions, from background information to treatment options, terminology, how daily life will be affected, and where to go for more help. Table of contents : - SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION; 1. Sorrow and natural despondency; 2. Affective disorders - major depression, dysthymia and manic-depressive illness; 3. Seasonal depressions; 4. Depression in childhood and adolescence; 5. Women, men and depression; 6. The elderly and depression; 7. Physical illness, pain, somatic symptoms and depression; 8. Substance abuse and depression; 9. Eating disturbances and depression; 10. Anxiety and depression; 11. Sleep and depression; CAUSES OF DEPRESSION; 12. Biological theories on the causes of depression; 13. Psychological theories on the causes of depression; 14. Hormones, stress and depression; 15. Nature or nurture: which matters most?; TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION; 16. See a doctor for treatment; 17. Treatment with antidepressant medication; 18. Sexuality, depression and antidepressant medication; 19. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and light therapy; 20. Psychological forms of treatment; 21. Advice to family members; 22. Self-help in depression; 23. Suicide and depression - when zest for life is gone