When the Blues Won't Go Away: New Approaches to Dysthymic Disorder and Other Forms of Chronic Low-Grade Depression [Hardcover]

Robert M. A. Hirschfield (Author), Susan Meltsner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1991

According to American Health magazine, more than five million Americans may suffer from low-grade depression that arises during a life trauma and then persists, sometimes for years. While often misdiagnosed, new research shows that proper treatment can yield dramatic results. A major book by the project director of the largest depression study ever conducted.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hirschfeld (National Institutes for Mental Health) states that "the blues" are a long-lasting, mild form of clinical depression called dysthymic disorder, or DD. He believes that cognitive therapy--changing one's thought and behavior patterns--is the treatment of choice. He discusses in great detail a self-help program based on self-examination and the keeping of lengthy journals. Chapters discussing the concerns of people close to DD sufferers, choosing a therapist, and common medications used are helpful, but not as thorough as the self-help sections. An appendix of outside sources of help and a bibliography of other self-help materials is given. Cognitive therapy is not new; David Burns has covered this ground well in his classic book Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy ( LJ 7/80), to which Hirschfeld refers often. Recommended for large general psychology collections.
- Barbara Keen, Spokane Community Coll., Wash.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 195 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Pub Co (May 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0025518259
• ISBN-13: 978-0025518254
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #918,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars feeling down, May 27, 2001

By 

Jeanne Anderson (Swartz Creek, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: When the Blues Won't Go Away: New Approaches to Dysthymic Disorder and Other Forms of Chronic Low-Grade Depression (Hardcover)

I bought this book because there was a point in my life after 4 kids and a divorce that I felt "blue" most everyday. This book was very helpful with tips and insight, After a second marriage where the blended family thing was a problem, I read this book a lot. It has been was a very hekpful book for me to read to understand depression and the different causes and types.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A self-help book that actually helps your self, November 27, 2007

By 

Cecil Bothwell "Author of "Whale Falls: A... (Asheville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: When the Blues Won't Go Away: New Approaches to Dysthymic Disorder and Other Forms of Chronic Low-Grade Depression (Hardcover)

If you are mildly depressed, irritable, out of sorts, impatient with employees or your partner, and it has gone on for a long, long time, you may have dysthmic disorder. DD is a low level, chronic mood malfunction, nowhere near as severe as a major depression, bi-polar disease, or other macro-behavioural problems, but it is real and persistent and does not usually go away on its own. Whereas other disorders come and go over months, DD trudges on for years. As with other psychiatric problems, it is difficult for the affected individual to recognize that it is happening, but it can wreak havoc on a life. Alcohol or drug abuse are not infrequent results. An estimated 3-5 percent of American adults, twice as many women as men, suffer from this illness. A low self image, inability to finish tasks, bristling defensive behaviour and other symptoms can make the DD sufferer a royal pain in the butt to live with. Hirschfield offers effective self-help advice, and information about professional treatment and medications available if that is your bag. If you or someone you love might have DD, check this one out. It worked for me.

5.0 out of 5 stars When the Blues Won't Go Away, April 27, 2011

By 

gwenpetals - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When the Blues Won't Go Away: New Approaches to Dysthymic Disorder and Other Forms of Chronic Low-Grade Depression (Hardcover)

This book is very readable to a lay person who struggles with dysthymia disorder. He presents clear strategies to help someone understand the disorder and how to find workable solutions.