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.
