Understanding Depression: A Complete Guide to Its Diagnosis and Treatment

When Understanding Depression was first published over ten years ago, it quickly became a trusted guide for the millions of Americans suffering from depression. Now the long awaited revised and expanded second edition of this definitive and readable book is available to a new generation.
With the addition of the latest research on treatments for biological depression, the authors illustrate the importance of accurately diagnosing the disease and using tested research methods to treat it. The book provides the means of evaluating the benefits and disadvantages of both pharmaceutical and psychological treatment of depression. In explaining the different treatments available, the authors provide detailed information on the use of both old and new antidepressants and SSRIs, as well as herbal supplements like St. John's Wort. It also focuses on the environmental and hereditary causes of biological depression, about which there are still many misconceptions.
Using excerpts from patient histories to show progress from the onset of depression through treatment and recovery, the authors put a human face on the specter of depression. They demonstrate how many of the afflicted fail to seek help or are misdiagnosed by doctors who do not recognize their symptoms. The book includes several simple tests which readers can use to determine the need to seek a psychological evaluation. Understanding Depression is an excellent source of support, providing a highly informed and readable guide to this much misunderstood disease.

Donald F. Klein is Professor of Psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of Research at New York State Psychiatric Institute. Paul H. Wender is Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Psychiatric Research at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He is the author of The Hyperactive Child, Adolescent and Adult, and co-author of Mind, Mood, and Medicine with Donald F. Klein.