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Written in clear, nontechnical language, and filled with lively historical and cultural highlights, this comprehensive reference work is a scientifically grounded yet thoroughly readable introduction to depressive disorders.

What distinguishes normal everyday emotional swings from debilitating, clinically identified depression? What are the defining symptoms, manifestations, and treatments? What is life like for people suffering from depression and for those who care for them? The Encyclopedia of Depression is for all those needing answers to questions like these-individuals, families, health professionals, or anyone fascinated by this pervasive condition.

Written in clear, nontechnical language and highlighting fascinating historical and cultural perspectives on the topic, this two-volume resource presents a complete contemporary portrait of depressive disorders, summarizing the latest scientific, medical, and societal thinking on a wide variety of depression-related topics. Coverage includes causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention, and a wide range of treatment options, including psychotherapy, medication, biological treatments, alternative therapies and lifestyle approaches. In addition, the encyclopedia discusses historical and cross cultural perspectives on the condition, including the dramatic shifts in public awareness and cultural attitudes toward the disease and the devastation it can cause.

• About 300 entries on depression, including the genetic, biological, environmental, and personality factors underlying it as well as the latest treatments
• Brief bibliographies with each entry, directing readers to additional print and online sources
• Fascinating sidebars on issues, breakthroughs, and famous persons who suffered from depression, including Abraham Lincoln, Charles Dickens, Irving Berlin, Vincent van Gogh, and Georgia O'Keeffe
• A comprehensive index