Depression, The Mood Disease

Depression is a mood disorder that affects one in ten Americans in any givenyear. At one time too stigmatized to be mentioned in polite conversationdepression i... » 

Depression is a mood disorder that affects one in ten Americans in any givenyear. At one time too stigmatized to be mentioned in polite conversationdepression is now discussed frankly in the media and advertisements for drugtherapy appear everywhere. The third edition of this widely acclaimed bookreflects changes in how mood disorders are thought about and how they aretreated.Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore author of the bestselling book Bipolar Disorder AGuide for Patients and Families here explains depression its causes andsymptoms and its treatment. He discusses depression in all age groups and inboth sexes as well as bipolar disorder seasonal affective disorders anddepression that accompanies illness. This edition encompasses more than adecade of new research advances in pharmacology and changes in publicperception.The past ten years have seen the release of new forms of the majorantidepressants as well as other promising new avenues in pharmaceuticaltreatments. For example atypical or second generation antidepressants suchas venlafaxine and duloxetine provide different ways of manipulating thechemical systems in the brain concerned with mood. And there have beensignificant advances in the use of MAO inhibitors now available in patch form.Dr. Mondimore reviews these and other pharmacological therapies as part of acomprehensive approach to treatment that includes psychotherapy family andcommunity support and lifestyle changes. Full of information compassionatelypresented this guide provides hope and help to patients and their families. «