Depression: A Very Short Introduction

What is depression? What is bipolar disorder? How are they diagnosed and how are they treated? Can a small child be diagnosed with depression and treated with antidepressants - and should they be?

Covering depression, manic depression, and bipolar disorder, this Very Short Introduction gives a brief account of the history of these concepts, before focussing on the descriptions and understanding of these disorders today. Jan Scott and Mary Jane Tacchi look at the introduction of modern treatments for people suffering from depression, recounting the stories behind the development and introduction of antidepressants and mood stabilizers. They examine the symptoms and signs of the different disorders, as well as the association between physical disorders and depression.

Exploring the importance of depression and bipolar disorder in society, they also look at the link between creativity and mood disorders. Scott and Tacchi conclude by discussing treatments and the future for those with depression.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Jan Scott has undertaken major research studies on both depression and manic depression. She is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London. She has published over 200 scientific papers and reviews, as well as textbooks, treatment manuals and book chapters for specialist and general readerships, books for individuals experiencing mood disorders and contributed to Government publications.
Mary Jane Tacchi is a Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry who is also trained in cognitive therapy. She instigated the Crisis assessment and home based treatment team in Newcastle- a development which won her the national 'Hospital Doctor of the Year Award' in 2002. She has undertaken research on the crisis team and home based treatment, on brief cognitive therapy for depression and adherence therapy for manic depression and has written extensively on the problems of engagement with services and adherence with treatment.