The Depression Sourcebook [Paperback]

Brian Quinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998

Clinical depression is extremely common, can affect a person''s ability to work effectively and in some c ases can be fatal. This volume describes what it is and how to identify the causes so as to alleviate the condition. '

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Depression Sourcebook is an informative and empathetic guide for anyone who suffers from one of these mood disorders. From the dysthemic patient who lives with chronic, mild depression, to one who experiences manic depression and its characteristic wide swings in mood, energy level, and sleep, The Depression Sourcebook helps those with depressive illnesses not only evaluate and make sense of their conditions, but of the bewildering variety of treatment approaches. More than any other form of illness, depression can impinge on the general health and well being of the entire body. Once recognized, treatment will greatly reduce or eliminate symptoms. The Depression Sourcebook offers hope and the first step toward a normal, satisfying, and productive life. The Depression Sourcebook is highly recommended reading for anyone coming to grips with a depressive state. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Brian P. Quinn, C.S.W., Ph.D., specializes in comprehensive biopsychological evaluation and treatment of patients with mood disorders.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Lowell House (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565658566
• ISBN-13: 978-1565658561
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,326,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Dr. Quinn!, April 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Depression Sourcebook (Paperback)

Finally, a book that deals with depression as the serious biologically based health problem that it is without all the moralizing and "just snap out of it" ignorance found in so many popular books on the subject. Contains an excellent critique of the Cognative Therapy theory which insists that you can think your way out of a serious depressive illness. Includes a tremendous amount of up to the minute scientific information on depression, its causes and treatmenst, and what to do if you or someone you love is in danger of suicide. One of the best books I have read on the subject.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for those affected by mood disorders, March 9, 2001

By 

Tanja L. Walker "Tanja L. Walker" (Norman, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Depression Sourcebook (Paperback)

I have lived with the diagnosis of depression for five years, but not until a recent major depressive episode hit did I seriously start looking for books to help me understand what was going on. I am so thrilled I found this book first. From reading this book, I have a much deeper understanding of the biological origins of my disorder, as well as the symptoms to watch out for. I especially appreciate the attention Dr. Quinn gives to "atypical" symptoms and bi-polar disorders; I suspect I had been depressed for years, but because my symptoms don't fit the usual criteria, it went unrecognized for far too long.

Dr. Quinn also is to be commended for striking the right balance between helping people with mood disorders and their families understand that their symptoms are not their fault and that they are not "weak" for not being able to "snap out of it," while still explaining concrete steps patients and their families can take to alleviate symptoms and stay well as best they can. It is hard for most people who have never experienced depression how difficult it is to convince yourself that you are a worthy, competent person, that people love and care about you, that the world is a good place to be in, when the illness is at its worst, and all you can see is the dark pit of despair. Dr. Quinn gives people in such states real hope; rather than spouting out meaningless phrases of "you're an okay person" or "people love you" when people who are seriously depressed CANNOT believe it, he explains how medicine, therapy, and alternative treatments can help them get out of that pit so they CAN believe they are worthy people deserving of love.

While I am a "traditionalist" in my medical thinking, and I have no problem with taking pills to help my symptoms improve, I was glad to see that Dr. Quinn gave plenty of space to alternative treatments, and did so without either touting them as cure-alls or cutting them down. In fact, some of the suggestions in the alternative treatment section are helpful even for those who are comfortable taking medications for their mood disorders.

This book should be required reading, not just for those who have a mood disorder, but by their families and friends. It will help families and friends understand what is going on with their loved ones, what is and what is not under their loved ones' control, and signs they can look for when their loved ones need help.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books out there on depression, January 29, 2001

By 

Kathleen A. Thomas (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Depression Sourcebook (Paperback)

I strongly, strongly recommend this book to people who have concerns or questions about depression. This book begins by explaining the difference between sadness and a depressive illness. It explains what symptoms are part of "normal" grief or sadness as opposed to symptoms that are part of the physical illness of depression. The book then explains that depression is not a mental illness, but a physical illness that can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. It takes the reader through the difference treatment approaches and evaluates each approach. It also addresses the fact that most people hate the idea of taking medication and addresses those concerns. I found the writing style very honest and informative. Best of all, at no point is this book touchy-feely. I never got the sense that someone was patting me on the head, saying "it's going to be ok" or giving me "meaningful quotes for the day".

One thing I would like to make clear is that the book is directed only to people suffering from depressive episodes. If you don't know if you are suffering from grief or depression, then it will be useful. But if you are trying to deal with grief, I would look for grief counseling books first and then come back to this one if the grief counseling books don't help you.