Dysthyma And The Spectrum Of Chronic Depressions [Hardcover]

Hagop S. Akiskal University of California San Diego USA; Giovanni B. Cassano University of Pisa Italy. (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1997

On the basis of research findings that aim to show a paradigmatic shift in our conceptualization of chronic depression, this volume documents the ongoing transformation of theory and practice - from art to science - in this field. The book reviews what is currently known about the nature and classification of specified chronic depressive sub-types. Implications for the pharmacological treatment for a range of disorders are given, that were believed to be beyond the reach of somatotherapy. The book also considers psychotherapeutic issues and raises numerous questions for future investigations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Hagop S. Akiskal introduced the concept of chronic depression into modern psychiatry and convinced us all of its clinical and public health importance. His rich descriptions combine poignant clinical phenomenology with modern scientific data. This volume is a compendium of the latest thinking on the concept, the diagnosis, and the treatment of chronic depression. It is a 'must read' for every clinician and every clinical researcher." --Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, MD, Titus H. Harris Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas

"Revolutionary changes have emerged recently in the way we conceptualize and treat dysthymia and related chronic depressive disorders. Hagop S. Akiskal, a pioneer in this area, is joined by a talented international cast to document the clinical impact of these scientific advances. The resulting book provides mental health clinicians with an elegant, avant-garde, yet practical compendium on this prevalent spectrum of chronic depressive suffering." --Lewis L. Judd, MD, Mary Gilman Marston Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; Former Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

About the Author

Hagop S. Akiskal, MD, FAPA, is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the International Mood Center at the University of California, San Diego, and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Affective Disorders. The recipient of the clinical research award of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists (1981) and the Samuel G. Hibbs Award of the American Psychiatric Association (1989) for his work on chronic depression, Dr. Akiskal has also been honored with the Gold Medal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry (1995). Prior to his current post, he was Senior Science Advisor to the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health.

Giovanni B. Cassano, MD, FRCP, is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of Pisa, Italy. A leading European psychiatrist combining expertise in both academic and clinical psychiatry, Dr. Cassano, with his Pisan colleagues, has advanced our understanding of the spectrum concepts in mood and anxiety disorders. He is the author of a best-selling book on depression for the Italian public.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 228 pages
• Publisher: Guilford Press; 1 edition (May 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572300892
• ISBN-13: 978-1572300897
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Advanced and technical, May 4, 2009

By 

Beverly Jackson "bevjackson" (Asheville NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dysthyma And The Spectrum Of Chronic Depressions (Hardcover)

I am just a patient with dythemia, hoping to learn more, but this book is really useful, I think, to only doctors because of all the technical and medical language which I can't translate. I'm sure it's a good book for those in the field, but not for the layperson.