Understanding Depression

Description

We all have low moods from time to time. Usually the mood passes and we get back to iur normal way of living. Low moods like these are not what doctors call depression. Instead they use the term to describe a more severe illness. No one symptom indicates whether you have just a low mood or what can be termed 'clinical dpression'. Many of the symptoms are similar, however when you are depressed they are usually more intense and go on for longer. Depression is an illness that can be treated and you will feel better in time.

Contents

• Introduction
• What is depression?
• Causes of depression
• Types of depression
• Helping yourself
• Treatment
• Medication
• Physical treatment
• What happens when you go to your GP?
• Women and depression
• Grief and bereavement
• Helping friends and family
• Useful information
• Index

About the authors

Dr Kwame Mckenzie - is a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Royal Free Hospital and University College Medical School in London. He is committed to improving the understanding of mental illness and has written over 200 articles, hosted a TV series and conducted numerous radio interviews on the subject.

Dr Tony Smith - family Doctor Publications' Medical Editor-in-Chief was for many years Deputy Editor of the British Medical Journal and continues to work as an Assiciate Editor. He is the Medical Editor of both the Complete Family Health Encylopaedia and the Family Doctor Home Advisor