The Antidepressant Sourcebook: A User's Guide for Patients and Families [Paperback]

Andrew L. Morrison M.D. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0385496656 | ISBN-13: 978-0385496650 | Publication Date: December 28, 1999 | Edition: 1

In 1998, over 120 million prescriptions were written for antidepressants. That number is projected to rise by almost thirty million by the end of 2000. Despite this growing trend, many patients find that their doctors do not tell them all they need to know about the medications to make their treatments as successful as possible. The Antidepressant Sourcebook is the first place to turn for people taking antidepressants for the first time and for the millions who have already taken them.

Here, in one concise reference, is all the reader needs to know, including what to talk about with the doctor, how to start and stop medications, and what to expect in the course of treatment. It is a written complement to what the doctor tells you. It answers every question a patient might have: How do I know if I'm on the right medication? Will my antidepressant interact with other medications I'm taking? Can I take it while pregnant? Will it change my personality? Do I need psychotherapy? If you or someone you love is taking antidepressants for depression, an anxiety disorder, or any other reason, your concerns will be addressed here.

The Antidepressant Sourcebook is the most comprehensive primer you can own, offering hands-on advice and clear information. It's required reading for anyone who is taking or thinking about taking antidepressants.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Morrison, who has been a practicing psychiatrist for 25 years, shares his knowledge of antidepressants, old and new. After a brief explanation of the major types of antidepressants and the difference between clinical depression and an ordinary "blue" mood, he tells how antidepressants, combined with talk therapy, can be used to treat not only depression but other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, general anxiety, social phobia and eating disorders. Morrison allays fears that antidepressants are addictive, can induce an artificial high or cause violent behavior. He also outlines what to expect when taking them, the time it may take to find the right dose of the right medication, how long to stay on them, as well as how to stop taking them. With liberal use of case studies, Morrison details information patients should share with their physicians and families. Appendixes profile current antidepressants and list sources of support and further information. The book is well organized and will serve as a handy reference tool. (Dec.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

According to Morrison, more than 20 antidepressants are currently on the market, and, in 1997, 90 million prescriptions for antidepressants were filled. Unquestionably, both of these numbers are on the rise. The author, who has practiced psychiatry for more than 25 years, offers an introduction to antidepressants for patients (current and future) and their families. His text contains state-of-the-art information and numerous case studies to illustrate the role that this class of medications plays in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, etc. Dealing with antidepressants as a group, this guidebook addresses many topics, including what to expect when taking an antidepressant, how to handle side effects, what to do when a dose is forgotten, and the need for collaboration between healthcare provider and patient. The chapters are short, the writing is simple, and the message that help is out there rings loud and clear. Enthusiastically recommended for individual and public library acquisition.ALinda M.G. Katz, MCP Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books; 1 edition (December 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385496656
• ISBN-13: 978-0385496650
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,361,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for people who need an anti depressant, January 2, 2000

By 

Richard J Darko (Indpls IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Antidepressant Sourcebook: A User's Guide for Patients and Families (Paperback)

Two weeks ago my wife was diagnosed with rare and dangerous form of ovarian cancer. Her doctors did surgery and are recommending chemo therapy. They said she will become depressed so I bought this new book to be able to help her. It is really good. There is no medical mumbo jumbo in this book-it is VERY easy to understand.Because my wife hasn't yet started taking an antidepressant this book is helpful because it tells us all of the choices, what to expect, and what to talk to the doctor about. This disease is going to be very difficult on my wife but at least we feel better about this part of her care from reading this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pure tripe, May 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Antidepressant Sourcebook: A User's Guide for Patients and Families (Paperback)

... A totally simplistic (and simple-minded) overview of a complex problem, this book gives no hard-and-fast information about anything. Be sure to read the rest of the reviews posted here -- I won't bother to repeat what others have stated so eloquently about the utter uselessness and ineffectualness of this stupid book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on antidepressants, February 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Antidepressant Sourcebook: A User's Guide for Patients and Families (Paperback)

Every person who is taking antidepressants or contemplating treatment should read this book. Actually, I will go as far as to say that it's a "must read". In your reading, you will be guided from start to the very end of treatment. Often, treatment fails because of "what we don't know" about this very important process. "The Antidepressant Sorucebook" will educate you on all of the essentials. The writing is extremelly compassionate and each chapter is short and makes it easy to read for someone who is battling severe depression such as myself.

I wish I had read this book before I went into drug treatment. Much has failed because I didn't have the knowledge that this book entails. In the near future, I will be participating in a research program for antidepressants. If I can help in any small way so that future generations don't need to suffer from this painful and even fatal illness, I'm happy. At the same time, I will be getting help which I so desperately need. Actually, after my last treatment, I had lost hope and had become suicidal. However, after reading Dr. Andrew Morrison's book, I feel that I still have hope. With the knowledge as well as the compassion from this author, I am going to try again. If you are suffering from any kind of mental disorder, please read this book. It can make a difference between life and death. Thank you very much Dr. Morrison. Is there any way that correspondence can be sent to you?... because I believe that there are many people who want to thank you.

By the way, for those who care, portions of the proceeds of this book are donated to NARSAD (the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia & Depression). This is a national, not-for-profit organization whose primary objective is to raise funds fo find the causes, cures, better treatments, and prevention of the severe mental illnesses. This book is a gift to us all!