Depression Sourcebook, 6th Ed.

Depression is one of the most common disabling mental health problems in the world. Depressive disorder is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, trouble concentrating, excessive fatigue, and drastic changes in appetite and sleep habits. According to the 2020 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) statistics, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode, accounting for 8.4 percent of all American adults. It is found that the prevalence of a major depressive episode is higher in adult females (10.5%) than in adult males (6.2%). Research indicates that a variety of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors contribute to the development of this chronic illness. Research also indicates that timely diagnosis and treatment help the affected manage their symptoms effectively and develop strategies for better living.

Depression Sourcebook, Sixth Edition offers basic information about the prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of depression. It talks about atypical depression, bipolar disorder, depression during and after pregnancy, depression with psychosis, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It examines the impact of depression on children, adolescents, men, women, and older adults. It describes strategies for managing depression, along with information about the warning signs and prevalence of suicide. It also provides insight into alternative and complementary therapies used to improve depression symptoms. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and a directory of resources for additional help and information.

Part 1: Introduction to Mental Health Disorders and Depression discusses the fundamentals of mental health and how it plays a vital role in the development and severity of mental health disorders like depression. It discusses various myths and facts about mental health disorders and provides basic information on depression. The part concludes with statistical reports on depression and other related mental health disorders.

Part 2: Types of Depression gives an overview of the most common types of depression and related mental health disorders, including major depression, atypical depression, bipolar disorder, premenstrual syndrome, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, psychotic depression, and seasonal affective disorder.

Part 3: Who Develops Depression? provides information about gender, age, and racial disparities in the diagnosis of depression. Facts about depression in men, women, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and older adults are discussed, including depression faced by women during and after pregnancy. Information about the prevalence of depression in minority populations, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults, prison inmates, and caregivers, is also provided.

Part 4: Risk Factors for Depression: Genetics, Trauma, and More highlights genetic and environmental factors that can predispose a person to developing depression. It discusses the impact of trauma, substance use, and addiction on depression, including parental stress, and climate change.

Part 5: Depression and Chronic Illness discusses chronic diseases that are often linked to depression, such as fibromyalgia, brain injury, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), multiple sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and stroke.

Part 6: 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, such as light therapy for seasonal affective disorder, brain stimulation therapies, and strategies for treating severe or relapsed forms of depression, are discussed.

Part 7: Strategies for Managing Depression discusses how to maintain emotional wellness in people who have depression, including stress in disaster responders and recovery workers. Information on developing resilience, improving self-­esteem, as well as dealing with trauma and coping with grief, b­ereavement, and loss, is included.

Part 8: Depression and Suicide offers information about the prevalence of suicide among those who are affected with depression. It describes the warning signs of suicide and provides information on how to recover from a suicide attempt. It also suggests steps to overcome trauma when a family member attempts suicide.

Part 9: 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.