Mayo Clinic on Depression: Answers to Help You Understand, Recognize and Manage Depression

An essential and informative resource for recognizing, treating, and managing depression explores the many types, causes, signs, and symptoms of depression, and covers such topics as risk factors, combined disorders, suicide and suicide survivors, the role of family and friends, and much more. Original.

The latest in a series of health guides (Mayo Clinic on Managing Diabetes), edited by psychiatrist Kramlinger, offers a useful overview of depression. According to Mayo medical experts, "at some point in their lives, close to one fourth of all Americans will experience at least one episode of depression." With treatment, however, eight out of 10 people will recover and live normal lives. In earlier times, depression was downplayed by many as being "all in your head" and a sign of weakness. In some instances, this stigma still exists and prevents those with this serious condition from seeking help. However, now medical experts treat depressive illness that lasts at least two weeks as a medical disorder. This clearly written manual provides detailed coverage of the types of depressive disorder, available treatments such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and psychotherapy, as well as useful suggestions for self-management. Included is an informed discussion on the controversy that has surrounded ECT, as well as the efficacy of emerging drugs like Substance P blockers. Family and friends of those suffering from depression will also find this book helpful in understanding the illness and how to provide support to the patient. Illus.

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This Mayo Clinic book points out that although the actual causes of depression are not known, several major risk factors for it are. Serotonin and other chemicals can create imbalances in the brain that can lead to depression, drugs can do much for treating depression, and a careful combination of drugs and talk therapy can do even more. Brain-imaging studies have recently brought many new facts to bear on understanding depression, and treatments in the research pipeline may improve outcomes considerably. This book also suggests some self-help strategies and argues the value of certain alternative approaches, especially acupuncture. William Beatty
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