Beating the Blues New Approaches to Overcoming Dysthymia and Chronic Mild Depression

by Thase, Michael E.; Lang, Susan S.

• ISBN13: 9780195159189
• ISBN10: 0195159187
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-01-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Mild depressions are so insidious that sufferers often don't seek help. They think, "that's just the way I am. There's really not much I can do about it." As Dr. Michael Thase and science writer Susan S. Lang reveal in this wonderful new book, the good news is they can do something about it. Persistent mild depression, which afflicts up to 35 million Americans, can be readily and permanently cured. Thase and Lang show how chronic mild depression can be relieved by learning strategies that help us to recognize negative and distorted thinking patterns that lead to a downward spiral of pessimism. They reveal that a combination of medication and therapy has been shown to be the most effective treatment for mild depression, with an impressive 85% of patients experiencing full relief. They discuss when you should seek help from a therapist and what kinds of therapy seem the most effective (therapies that focus on the here and now seem to work best); outline the safer new antidepressants that are helpful for both mild and severe depressions, detailing each drug's strength and weakness; and examine alternative therapies, including stress management (meditation, relaxation, massage, biofeedback), physical exercise, acupuncture, supplements, and other mind/body therapies. Finally, they provide in-depth discussions of mild depression in children, adolescents, college students, and elderly parents, as well as those with chronic stress. Throughout, the authors use boxed text and charts to make the key ideas immediately accessible and easy to use. Beating the Blues is an inspiring and empowering book, filled with the information and encouragement you need to turn your life around and begin to feel renewed pleasure and joy.

Author Biography

Michael E. Thase M.D. is Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Mood Disorders Module at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also Chief of the Division of Adult Academic Psychiatry and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, in Pittsburgh.
Susan S. Lang is an award-winning Senior Science Writer at Cornell University and author of 11 other books and hundreds of magazine articles on health and psychology.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING DYSTHYMIA AND ITS MILDER FORMS
What Is Dysthymia?	3	(11)
The Spectrum of Dysthymia and Depression	14	(16)
How Dysthymia Is Diagnosed	30	(11)
Who Gets Dysthymia and Why: Causes and Risk Factors	41	(16)
PART TWO: HOW TO FEEL BETTER
The Psychology of Feeling Good	57	(30)
Psychotherapy	87	(11)
Medications	98	(14)
Exercise and Nutrition	112	(6)
Herbal and Other Types of Supplements	118	(10)
Supplemental Strategies	128	(13)
PART THREE: SPECIAL CONCERNS OF VARIOUS POPULATIONS
Dysthymia in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults	141	(6)
Gender and Dysthymia	147	(7)
Dysthymia and Aging	154	(7)
Conclusion: Putting It All Together	161	(4)
Appendix 1. Daily Symptom Log	165	(1)
Appendix 2. Most Commonly Used Antidepressants for Dysthymia	166	(2)
Appendix 3. Resources (Organizations, Web Sites, Discussion Groups, etc.)	168	(7)
References	175	(10)
Index	185