Written in clear, nontechnical language, and filled with lively historical and cultural highlights, this comprehensive reference work is a scientifically grounded yet thoroughly readable introduction to depressive disorders.

Depression isn’t just a mood—it is a legitimate and pervasive illness that affects virtually everyone at some point. Millions of U.S. adults have experienced at least one bout of major depression in their lives. Yet the largest, most intensive study ever done on the disease confirms that even the most extreme cases of depression can be alleviated through treatment.

What distinguishes normal everyday emotional swings from debilitating, clinically identified depression? What are the defining symptoms, manifestations, and treatments? What is life like for people suffering from depression and for those who care for them? The Encyclopedia of Depression is for all those needing answers to questions like these—individuals, families, health professionals, or anyone fascinated by this pervasive condition.

Written in clear, nontechnical language and highlighting fascinating historical and cultural perspectives on the topic, this two-volume resource presents a complete contemporary portrait of depressive disorders, summarizing the latest scientific, medical, and societal thinking on a wide variety of depression-related topics. Coverage includes causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention, and a wide range of treatment options, including psychotherapy, medication, biological treatments, alternative therapies and lifestyle approaches. In addition, the encyclopedia discusses historical and cross cultural perspectives on the condition, including the dramatic shifts in public awareness and cultural attitudes toward the disease and the devastation it can cause.

Features
• About 300 entries on depression, including the genetic, biological, environmental, and personality factors underlying it as well as the latest treatments
• Brief bibliographies with each entry, directing readers to additional print and online sources
• Fascinating sidebars on issues, breakthroughs, and famous persons who suffered from depression, including Abraham Lincoln, Charles Dickens, Irving Berlin, Vincent van Gogh, and Georgia O’Keeffe
• A comprehensive index

Highlights
• Offers a thoroughly modern portrait of depression including the latest scientific thinking, research findings, and treatments
• Views depression from a variety of perspectives—not only medical and scientific, but also historical and cultural
• Addresses almost every issue and defines almost any term a student or consumer is likely to encounter
• Makes a wealth of important information accessible to the general reader

Linda Wasmer Andrews, MS, is a freelance journalist who specializes in health and psychology. She has coauthored 13 books. Her articles appear regularly in magazines such as Self, Heart-Healthy Living, Figure, and American Profile.

Reviews
"The Encyclopedia of Depression is comprehensive ... recommended for consumers and undergraduates looking for an introduction to depression."—Reference & User Services Quarterly

"Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers."—Choice

"Recommended for medical and consumer-health collections."—Booklist

"This encyclopedia will be of practical value to anyone looking for basic information and guidance on mental depression. Recommended for all general collections."—Library Journal