Mayo Clinic On Depression: Answers to Help You Understand, Recognize and Manage Depression (Paperback)

~ Keith Kramlinger M.D. (Author), Mayo Clinic (Producer)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The latest in a series of health guides (Mayo Clinic on Managing Diabetes), edited by psychiatrist Kramlinger, offers a useful overview of depression. According to Mayo medical experts, "at some point in their lives, close to one fourth of all Americans will experience at least one episode of depression." With treatment, however, eight out of 10 people will recover and live normal lives. In earlier times, depression was downplayed by many as being "all in your head" and a sign of weakness. In some instances, this stigma still exists and prevents those with this serious condition from seeking help. However, now medical experts treat depressive illness that lasts at least two weeks as a medical disorder. This clearly written manual provides detailed coverage of the types of depressive disorder, available treatments such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and psychotherapy, as well as useful suggestions for self-management. Included is an informed discussion on the controversy that has surrounded ECT, as well as the efficacy of emerging drugs like Substance P blockers. Family and friends of those suffering from depression will also find this book helpful in understanding the illness and how to provide support to the patient. Illus.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This Mayo Clinic book points out that although the actual causes of depression are not known, several major risk factors for it are. Serotonin and other chemicals can create imbalances in the brain that can lead to depression, drugs can do much for treating depression, and a careful combination of drugs and talk therapy can do even more. Brain-imaging studies have recently brought many new facts to bear on understanding depression, and treatments in the research pipeline may improve outcomes considerably. This book also suggests some self-help strategies and argues the value of certain alternative approaches, especially acupuncture. William Beatty
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Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Mayo Clinic Trade Paper; 1st edition (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893005178
• ISBN-13: 978-1893005174
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #282,344 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, easy to understand book on depression., December 26, 2006

By	M. Young "probonolaw" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I checked out three books on depression from my local library. After reading all three, this one seemed the best, so I bought a copy for my personal library. This book is great, I don't know why no one else has written a review. The Mayo Clinic is a well known medical research facility, so it is a credible source of medical information. The book is straight forward, easy to understand. It covers recognizing depression and the different treatments available. Since the book is by the Mayo Clinic and not sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, you hear information that you normally would not hear. Such as the medical study that showed exercise was as effective a treatment for depression as pharmaceutical drugs. See page 113. I did not see that research in any of the books sponsored by drug companies.

Traditionally depression is viewed as a "loser's" illness, but the book presents depression from a vantage point that anyone can suffer from depression. It covers a personal story of a Medical Doctor who was overworked and fell into depression. Abraham Lincoln suffered from depression. Prior to Lincoln becoming President of the United States, he wrote to a close friend, "I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would be not one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better it appears to me."

I recommended this book.