Teenage Depression

School Library Journal

Teen depression is the subject of many general titles for this age group; previous specific treatments that remain useful are the concise, straightforward Down Is Not Out: Teenagers and Depression (Messner, 1986) by Lee and Wortman and Teenage Depression and Suicide (Chelsea, 1986) by John Chiles, which employs literary and visual as well as medical materials to make its point. Silverstein's contribution is an uneven mix, alternating between a ``Dear Teen'' handbook and a psychiatric textbook suitable for would-be therapists-in-training. It is assuredly comprehensive, updating earlier works with current explanations and theories of causes and possible treatments. Descriptions of the various categories of depressive illness and of manic depressive illness are undoubtedly clinically correct, but overwhelmingly detailed for lay readers. The introductory chapter, which gives a historical overview and definitions; the chapters that discuss the links between depression and suicide, and a question-and-answer section that debunks myths about depression and mental illness are clear-cut, first-rate, and accessible to teens. Silverstein conveys a positive and hopeful message: there has been progress in both diagnosis and treatment. Sources of help are listed in the back. Still, this is primarily for reference and reports rather than for self-help. --Libby K. White, Schenectady Co . Pub . Lib . , NY