Depression: A Very Short Introduction

What is depression? What is bipolar disorder? How are they diagnosed and how are they treated? Can/should a small child be diagnosed with depression and treated with antidepressants?Covering both depression and bipolar disorder, this Very Short Introducton will begin by giving a brief account of the history of these concepts and will then focus on the descriptions and understanding of these disorders. It will look at the introduction of modern treatments, recounting the stories behind the development and introduction of antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Symptoms and signs will be covered, as will the association between physical disorders and depression.It will explore the importance of depression and bipolar disorder in society, and will include a section on creativity and mood disorders. The book will also cover models of both disorders, and will conclude by discussing treatments and the future.

Jan Scott has undertaken major research studies on both depression and manic depression. She is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London. She has published over 200 scientific papers and reviews, as well as textbooks, treatment manuals and book chapters for specialist and general readerships, books for individuals experiencing mood disorders and contributed to Government publications.
Mary Jane Tacchi is a Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry who is also trained in cognitive therapy. She instigated the Crisis assessment and home based treatment team in Newcastle- a development which won her the national 'Hospital Doctor of the Year Award' in 2002. She has undertaken research on the crisis team and home based treatment, on brief cognitive therapy for depression and adherence therapy for manic depression and has written extensively on the problems of engagement with services and adherence with treatment.