This updated second edition covers the symptoms, possible causes, and the wide range of current treatments available for depression. Written by one of the world's leading authorities on depression and suicide, this book will provide a useful overview of depression for sufferers, their families/carers, and health care professionals.
The book explores the multifaceted approaches to suicide prevention, focusing on pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial strategies employed by healthcare professionals. It highlights the importance of developing a deeper psychodynamic understanding of the self, which is crucial for the accurate recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of patients at risk of suicide. Through this lens, the work advocates for improved methods in addressing mental health issues related to suicidal behavior.
Expert Advice for Patients, Carers and Professionals
If you or someone you know has clinical depression, marshalling all the information about the condition and its treatment is the first step to recovery. The Facts provides an easy to understand overview of clinical depression for sufferers, their friends, and families and also for GP's, psychiatrists and other clinicians. It begins with a close look at the signs and symptoms of clinical depression, as well as the process of diagnosis and the different subtypes (including major depression, dysthymia, manic-depression, and seasonal affective disorder). The second part of the book covers the current understanding of the causes of depression, based on the best scientific evidence. Individual chapters then cover the full range of treatment options available, including antidepressant drugs, behavioural and psychosocial interventions, electroconvulsive therapy and light therapy. The book concludes with practical guidance on self-help in depression, and useful advice for family and friends. ABOUT THE SERIES The Facts Series offers clear, straightforward and practical advice about a range of medical conditions and topics. Every title is written by a specialist in the field, so the reader can be sure that the information is reliable, authoritative and balanced. The experts cover all the most frequently-asked questions, from background information to treatment options, terminology, how daily life will be affected, and where to go for more help.