Depression: Causes and Treatment [Paperback]

Aaron T Beck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1972

Pioneering in its cognitive approach to psychotherapy, this broad survey of all aspects of depression is considered definitive in its field. It includes a comprehensive review of symptomatology, biology, psychology, theories, and treatment of depression. Based on his own experimental findings, Dr. Beck has synthesized a new approach to depression that provides the rationale for the cognitive therapy of this disorder.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a book which should be read by every medical student and psychiatric resident as well as by psychiatrists already in practice."—American Journal of Psychiatry

"The principal work on the subject and a valuable source of reference."—J.R.M. Copeland, M.D., British Journal of Psychiatry

"Well-written, clear, free of jargon, and interesting. . . . The most impressive recent work on depression."—Annals of Internal Medicine

"A classic text."—British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

"This volume without doubt transcends all previous writings on depression."—International Journal of Group Psychotherapy

About the Author

Winner of the Grawemeyer Award for Psychology, and known as the "father of cognitive therapy," Aaron T. Beck is University Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and President of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (January 1, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812210328
• ISBN-13: 978-0812210323
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,309,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb insights and causes of depression, February 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Depression: Causes and Treatment (Paperback)

This book explains the mimickers of depression.Also excellent writing and it never left me hanging.(meaning it got to the point and explain everything.)It explains the theories and definent causes of depression.It explains all the treaments such as:antidepressants,shock therapy,psychotherapy.This book relates to the chemicals in your brain instead of the primitive talk therapy,and cognitive therapy. I have read at least ten+ books on depression and this is the greatest book of all. Yet the only problem with this book is that it's not up to date on all the newer antidepressants since it was published in 1995. I wish the author of this book comes out with another book(updated)and I would definatly pay 50 bucks for it. The author of this book is a ausome,great,superb,excellent and blazing hot writer. You should win the Nobel Prize for this book. You got my vote.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb insights and causes of depression, February 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Depression: Causes and Treatment (Paperback)

This book explains the mimickers of depression.Also excellent writing and it never left me hanging.(meaning it got to the point and explain everything.)It explains the theories and definent causes of depression.It explains all the treaments such as:antidepressants,shock therapy,psychotherapy.This book relates to the chemicals in your brain instead of the primitive talk therapy,and cognitive therapy. I have read at least ten+ books on depression and this is the greatest book of all. Yet the only problem with this book is that it's not up to date on all the newer antidepressants since it was published in 1995. I wish the author of this book comes out with another book(updated)and I would definatly pay 50 bucks for it. The author of this book is a ausome,great,superb,excellent and blazing hot writer. You should win the Nobel Prize for this book. You got my vote.

7 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Let's Start Healing, January 11, 2006

By 

Blanch - See all my reviews

This review is from: Depression: Causes and Treatment (Paperback)

This book is generally outdated and written from the perspective of someone who wanted to offer an alternative to psychological interventions which he believed did not work. But, he never proved that they did not work. It was an exploration of new territory in the time that it was written, and does not hold much beyond historical value; as there are other books which explain cognitive theories of emotional disturbance and treatment for such in a more clear and precise manner.
To the previous reviewer, talking is not primitive. Black and white thinking is. Wanting to simply explain and control is entirely primitive and based in fear and anxiety. It is why we have gods, myths, fairy tales and legends. Sitting in a room with someone you trust and talking through your problems is not primitive. Whether it is a friend, a relative, a stranger or a therapist, it is progressive and courageous; even by today's standards. Trusting another human being and making a connection with them is superior human behavior.
Now, lets stop trying to be the one who has it right and start working together to heal people.