Depression Sourcebook, 5th Ed.

Depression, which is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep habits, is one of the most disabling health problems in the world. It is also one of the most common. Recent statistics indicate around 17.3 million adults United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, which represents 7.1 percent of all American adults. It is found that the prevalence of major episode is higher among adult females (8.7%) than in males (5.3%). A variety of factors, including genetics, biology, and environment, may contribute to the development of depression, but prompt diagnosis and treatment help those who suffer manage their symptoms and develop strategies for living with this chronic disease.

Depression Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, offers basic information about the prevalence, symptoms, and strategies to manage depression. It explains about dysthymia, atypical depression, bipolar disorder, depression during and after pregnancy, depression with psychosis, and seasonal affective disorder. It examines the impact of depression among children, adolescents, college students, men, women, and older adults. Information about depression’s diagnosis and treatment—including therapies, medications, and brain stimulation therapies—is provided, along with facts about alternative and complementary therapies used to improve depression symptoms. Strategies for managing depression are also discussed, along with information about the warning signs and prevalence of suicide. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and a directory of resources for additional help and information.

This book is divided into parts and chapters. Parts focus on broad areas of interest. Chapters are devoted to single topics within a part.

Part I: Introduction to Mental Health Disorders and Depression defines depression and discusses how brain function plays a role in the development and severity of mental health disorders. It discusses various myths and facts about mental health disorders, and provides information on potential reasons for depression. The part concludes with statistical reports on depression and other related mental health disorders.

Part II: Types of Depression gives an overview of the most common types of depression and related mental health disorders including; major depression, dysthymic disorder, atypical depression, bipolar disorder, premenstrual syndrome, psychotic depression, and seasonal affective disorder.

Part III: Who Develops Depression? provides information about gender, age, and racial disparities in the diagnosis of depression. Facts about depression in men, women, children, adolescents, college students, pregnant women, and seniors are discussed. Information about the prevalence of depression in minority population, LGBTs, employees, prison inmates, and caregivers is also provided.

Part IV: Causes and Risk Factors for Depression highlights genetic and environmental factors that can predispose a person to develop depression. The impact of stress, trauma, unemployment, and substance use and addiction on the development of depression is also included.

Part V: Depression and Chronic Illness discuss chronic illnesses often linked to depression, such as autoimmune diseases, brain injury, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and stroke.

Part VI: Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression describes the process of receiving a depression diagnosis, paying for mental healthcare, and finding and choosing a therapist. It also identifies mental health medications used to treat depression, including psychotherapy (talk therapy) and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Other forms of treatment, including light therapy for seasonal affective disorder and brain stimulation therapies, are also discussed. The part ends with a discussion of alternative and complementary depression therapies, treatments for children and adolescents with depression, and strategies for treating severe or relapsed forms of depression.

Part VII: Strategies for Managing Depression discusses strategies for maintaining emotional wellness in people who have depression. People with depression will find information on developing resilience, avoiding depression triggers, and improving self-esteem, as well as dealing with trauma, and coping with grief, bereavement, and loss.

Part VIII: Suicide offers information about the prevalence of suicide. It describes the warning signs of suicide and suggests next steps if you or a loved one expresses thoughts about suicide. It also provides information on how to recover from a suicide attempt.

Part IX: Additional Help and Information provides a glossary of important terms related to depression and a directory of organizations that help people with depression and suicidal thoughts.