Depression: The Mood Disease

Depression is a mood disorder that affects one in ten Americans in any given year. At one time too stigmatized to be mentioned in polite conversation, depression is now discussed frankly in the media, and advertisements for drug therapy appear everywhere. The third edition of this widely acclaimed book reflects changes in how mood disorders are thought about, and how they are treated.

Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore, author of the best-selling book Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families, here explains depression—its causes and symptoms, and its treatment. He discusses depression in all age groups and in both sexes, as well as bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorders, and depression that accompanies illness. This edition encompasses more than a decade of new research, advances in pharmacology, and changes in public perception.

The past ten years have seen the release of new forms of the major antidepressants as well as other promising new avenues in pharmaceutical treatments. For example "atypical" or "second generation" antidepressants, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, provide different ways of manipulating the chemical systems in the brain concerned with mood. And there have been significant advances in the use of MAO inhibitors, now available in patch form.

Dr. Mondimore reviews these and other pharmacological therapies as part of a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes psychotherapy, family and community support, and lifestyle changes. Full of information compassionately presented, this guide provides hope and help to patients and their families.

The Johns Hopkins University Press

Symptoms of major depression/ chemistry of bipolar disorder/mood disorders in children/etc

"If it seems a gloomy thought to explore the workings of mental doldrums, psychiatrist Mondimore makes this a safe trip, explaining in simple language how depression and manic-depression take effect and what victims can do about it." -- Publishers Weekly

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Raj Tummala, MD(Wyeth Pharmaceuticals)
Description:This is an easy to read consumer's guide to help patients and their families understand depression and other mood disorders.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide a comprehensive and easy to read review of depression and other mood disorders so that the patient can better understand the illness as well as the available treatment options.
Audience:This book is targeted towards patients, their families, and loved ones who want a better understanding of mood disorders. Others may also benefit from this book, including students, residents and nurses.
Features:Since the last edition of this book, there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the biology of mood disorders as well newer treatment options. This new edition captures these advances, allowing patients and their loved ones to easily understand them. As the author states, this is not a self-help book, but an informative review that presents scientific and clinical facts in lay language. Starting with a basic chapter on mood that explains the biology, the author covers depression with the available treatment options. Information is augmented with case vignettes that explain symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Some of the newer treatment options such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation are also covered along with to the standard therapies. Bipolar disorder is also covered in a similar format with case vignettes to help differentiate from pure depressive disorders. Information is augmented with tables. Differences in depressive disorders in the elderly, children, women, and stroke and pain patients are highlighted. Of particular interest to the patient is the chapter on causal factors. Advice is given to the patients and their families about the outcomes of depressive disorders and the need for appropriate treatment.
Assessment:This is a reader friendly book on depression and mood disorders written primarily for patients and their families. It explains scientific and clinical facts at a patient level helping the patient get a better bearing on the nature of depression.

Francis Mark Mondimore, M.D., is a psychiatrist and member of the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His books include Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families and Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents, both published by Johns Hopkins.