Depression is a mood disorder that affects one in ten Americans in any given year. At one time too stigmatized to be mentioned in polite conversation, depression is now discussed frankly in the media, and advertisements for drug therapy appear everywhere. The third edition of this widely acclaimed book reflects changes in how mood disorders are thought about, and how they are treated. Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore, author of the best-selling book Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families, here explains depression -- its causes and symptoms, and its treatment. He discusses depression in all age groups and in both sexes, as well as bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorders, and depression that accompanies illness. This edition encompasses more than a decade of new research, advances in pharmacology, and changes in public perception. The past ten years have seen the release of new forms of the major antidepressants as well as other promising new avenues in pharmaceutical treatments. For example 'atypical' or 'second generation' antidepressants, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, provide different ways of manipulating the chemical systems in the brain concerned with mood. And there have been significant advances in the use of MAO inhibitors, now available in patch form. Dr. Mondimore reviews these and other pharmacological therapies as part of a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes psychotherapy, family and community support, and lifestyle changes. Full of information compassionately presented, this guide provides hope and help to patients and their families.
PrefaceIntroductionPart I: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment1. MoodMood: What Is It?The Chemistry of MoodAn Early Breakthrough in Brain ScienceMood DisordersWhat Is the Biology of Depression?2. DepressionThe Symptoms of Major Depression""Normal"" Depression?The Classification of Depression3. TreatmentMedicationsElectroconvulsive TherapyOther Brain Stimulation TechniquesComplicated DepressionTests for Mood Disorders4. Bipolar DisorderWhat Is Bipolar Disorder?The Hypomanic SyndromeAnother Duality""Mood Swings"" and CyclothymiaIs There a Spectrum of Mood Disorders?The Chemistry of Bipolar DisorderThe Treatment of Bipolar DisorderLength of Treatment in Bipolar DisordersTreating ""Soft"" Bipolar DisordersPart II: Variations, Causes, and Connections5. Variations of the Mood DisordersMajor Depression in the ElderlyMood Disorders in Children and AdolescentsMood Disorders in WomenDepression and StrokeDepression and PainSeasonal Affective DisorderSchizoaffective DisorderPanic Attacks and Mood Disorders6. Causal Factors and AssociationsThe Heredity of Mood DisordersAlcohol and Drug Abuse and Mood DisordersMedical Causes of Mood DisordersSleep and DepressionPart III: Getting Better7. Advice for Patients with Mood Disorders and Their FamiliesWho Can Help? The Mental Health ProfessionalsLiving with a Mood DisorderCommunity Support and National OrganizationsThe FamilyHow to Help with Depression8. Summing Up and Looking AheadFurther ReadingSupport and Advocacy OrganizationsIndex
""Depression, the Mood Disease is a recommended pick for both public and college-level libraries.""
