About Mental Health & Addictions

Depressive Illness: An Information Guide

Introduction

This guide is written for people living with depression, their families and anyone interested in gaining a basic understanding about this illness, its treatment and management. It is not a substitute for treatment from a physician or mental health professional, but it can be used as a basis for questions and discussion about depression. This handbook covers many aspects of depression and frequently asked questions. With respect to drug treatments, new medications are frequently being developed and may not have been available at the time of publication of this guide.

Depressive Illness: An Information Guide

  1. Understanding depression
  2. The causes of depression - Current theories
  3. Treatments for depression
  4. Recovery and relapse prevention
  5. Help for partners and families
  6. Explaining depression to children

Conclusion

Authors

  • Christina Bartha, MSW,
  • Carol Parker, MSW, CSW
  • Cathy Thomson, MSW,
  • Kate Kitchen, MSW

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Drs. Sid Kennedy and Joel Raskin, whose review and comments on the section on medications were very helpful. We would also like to thank Tom and Meg for their invaluable thoughtfulness and assistance in reviewing this publication from the perspective of a patient/consumer and family member.

Copyright © 1999 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Depressive Illness cover

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