, Contents
Introduction vii
Patient Biographies xi
Part 1: The Basics 1
Questions 1–10 introduce basic information and the brain chemistry associated with
depression:
• What is mental illness? What is a major mental illness?
• How do chemicals work in the brain?
• What is depression?
Part 2: Diagnosis 27
Questions 11–24 discuss common symptoms of depression as well as the diagnosis
process:
• How is depression diagnosed?
• I have a good job and a loving family. How can I feel depressed?
• I have been diagnosed with depression. What do I tell my family and friends?
Part 3: Risk, Prevention, and Epidemiology 51
Questions 25–34 review risk factors for depression, such as:
• Why are certain people more susceptible to depression?
• A family member has depression. Is there anything I can do to help?
• I have been treated for depression in the past. Can I prevent an episode in the
future?
Part 4: Treatment 67
Questions 35–66 explain treatment and management options available to those
suffering from depression, including:
• What is cognitive–behavioral therapy?
• What are the different types of medication used to treat depression? How does
my doctor choose a medicine?
• Is medication or therapy more effective for depression?
593_FM00_print.indd v 1/23/10 12:28:36 AM
, 100 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT DEPRESSION
Part 5: Associated Conditions 127
Questions 67–73 explain some of the conditions commonly associated with
depression:
• How are alcoholism and depression connected?
• I have not been able to sleep well or concentrate at work since being mugged
3 months ago. Could I be depressed?
• Since returning from active duty overseas, my husband is having nightmares, is
afraid to go out, and is quieter than his usual self. Is this posttraumatic stress?
Will it go away?
Part 6: Special Populations 139
Questions 74–88 discuss depression in older people, children, the medically ill, and
women:
• What is the treatment approach for children and adolescents?
• Our child has been medically ill. She is having behavioral problems at school and
home and is angry all the time. What can we do?
• I have been diagnosed with postpartum depression. Is my baby at risk?
Part 7: Surviving 163
Questions 89–100 review important patient rights and general prognosis for those
with depression:
• What are my rights to refuse medication and other treatments?
• Should I worry about my employer finding out about my treatment?
• What is NAMI? How can they help?
Appendix A 183
Appendix B 187
Glossary 189
Index 199
vi
77593_FM00_print.indd vi 1/23/10 12:28:36 AM
, PART TWO
ONE
The Basics
What is mental illness?
What is a major mental illness?
How do chemicals work in the brain?
What is depression?
More …
593_PT01_print.indd 1 1/23/10 1:40:27 AM
Introduction vii
Patient Biographies xi
Part 1: The Basics 1
Questions 1–10 introduce basic information and the brain chemistry associated with
depression:
• What is mental illness? What is a major mental illness?
• How do chemicals work in the brain?
• What is depression?
Part 2: Diagnosis 27
Questions 11–24 discuss common symptoms of depression as well as the diagnosis
process:
• How is depression diagnosed?
• I have a good job and a loving family. How can I feel depressed?
• I have been diagnosed with depression. What do I tell my family and friends?
Part 3: Risk, Prevention, and Epidemiology 51
Questions 25–34 review risk factors for depression, such as:
• Why are certain people more susceptible to depression?
• A family member has depression. Is there anything I can do to help?
• I have been treated for depression in the past. Can I prevent an episode in the
future?
Part 4: Treatment 67
Questions 35–66 explain treatment and management options available to those
suffering from depression, including:
• What is cognitive–behavioral therapy?
• What are the different types of medication used to treat depression? How does
my doctor choose a medicine?
• Is medication or therapy more effective for depression?
593_FM00_print.indd v 1/23/10 12:28:36 AM
, 100 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT DEPRESSION
Part 5: Associated Conditions 127
Questions 67–73 explain some of the conditions commonly associated with
depression:
• How are alcoholism and depression connected?
• I have not been able to sleep well or concentrate at work since being mugged
3 months ago. Could I be depressed?
• Since returning from active duty overseas, my husband is having nightmares, is
afraid to go out, and is quieter than his usual self. Is this posttraumatic stress?
Will it go away?
Part 6: Special Populations 139
Questions 74–88 discuss depression in older people, children, the medically ill, and
women:
• What is the treatment approach for children and adolescents?
• Our child has been medically ill. She is having behavioral problems at school and
home and is angry all the time. What can we do?
• I have been diagnosed with postpartum depression. Is my baby at risk?
Part 7: Surviving 163
Questions 89–100 review important patient rights and general prognosis for those
with depression:
• What are my rights to refuse medication and other treatments?
• Should I worry about my employer finding out about my treatment?
• What is NAMI? How can they help?
Appendix A 183
Appendix B 187
Glossary 189
Index 199
vi
77593_FM00_print.indd vi 1/23/10 12:28:36 AM
, PART TWO
ONE
The Basics
What is mental illness?
What is a major mental illness?
How do chemicals work in the brain?
What is depression?
More …
593_PT01_print.indd 1 1/23/10 1:40:27 AM
