The Depression Answer Book : Professional Answers to More Than 275 Critical Questions About Medication, Therapy, Support, and More

Comprehensive, authoritative, forthright--this book not only answers questions it also poses important questions I never thought to ask. Reading it, you get the feeling you're listening to somebody who really knows depression both from the clnical side and also the personal side, and who has a lot of sensible answers. Finding what you want to know is easy: The chapters organize the material into logical sections, and the questions--which are in bold, throughout the text--help you find what you're looking for without wasting time on what you're not interested in. I'd recommend this book to anyone with depression or who has friends or family with depression.

Depression affects 14.8 million American adults every year.

How do I know if my sadness is actually depression? What conditions often coexist with depression? How can I help a family member or friend who is depressed?

Depression is not merely a bad day or a blue mood—it's a serious disorder that affects people both mentally and physically, and can become debilitating and even fatal if not recognized and properly treated. If you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from depression, or if you've recently been diagnosed, The Depression Answer Book can answer all the questions you have about how to get back to yourself.

Written by an experienced psychiatrist, The Depression Answer Book covers such pressing topics as:

• How many types of depression are there?
• Couldn't everyone be diagnosed with depression at one time or another?
• What should I do in a crisis?
• What can I do on my own to help my depression?
• Do I really need therapy and medication?
• How do I know a medication is working?

At a time when individuals are overwhelmed with confusing and often conflicting information and emotions, The Depression Answer Book explains confusing medical lingo and provides straightforward answers to pressing questions.

An important new addition to Sourcebooks' Answer Book series, The Depression Answer Book is a must-have shelf reference written in our easy-to-read question-and-answer format.

Depression affects 14.8 million American adults every year. An important new addition to Sourcebooks' Answer Book series, The Depression Answer Book is a must-have shelf reference written in our easy-to-read question-and-answer format. Authored by an experienced psychiatrist who has done extensive work in the mental health arena, readers will find more than 275 questions and answers that cover such pressing topics as: How do I know if my sadness is actually depression? Does depression ever go away on its own? How can I help a family member who is depressed? Couldn't everyone be diagnosed with depression at one time or another? How do I know which medication is right for me? At a time when individuals are overwhelmed with confusing, and often conflicting, information and emotions, The Depression Answer Book explains confusing medical lingo and provides straightforward answers to pressing questions. Depression basics -- Symptoms of depression -- Diagnosis and causes -- Similar and coexisting disorders -- Newer antidepressant medications -- Classic antidepressants -- What if your antidepressant doesn?t work? -- Finding a doctor -- Seeking therapy -- Choosing between psychotherapies -- Treating depression at home -- Good health habits -- Stress-reduction techniques -- Women and depression -- Crisis management and prevention -- When all else fails Uses a question-and-answer format to address nearly three hundred commonly asked questions about depression, its treatment options, medication, therapy, and support resources