Beating the Blues: An Annotated Booklist and Resource Guide on Depression

All titles are available at the Baddour Library

Andreasen, Nancy C. M.D. The Broken Brain: The Biological Revolution in 
Psychiatry. N.Y: Harper & Row, 1985.

• An in-depth account of the types of mental illness; causes and treatments. 
  Gives the reader an understanding of the social revolution in psychiatry
  that has occurred in the last century. The focus toward a biological basis of
  mental illness has helped stimulate a greater awareness of the problem 
  and possible treatment plans for patients.

Beck, Aaron et al. Cognitive Therapy of Depression. N.Y: Guilford Press, 1979.

• Intensive but informative presentation of the method of cognitive therapy 
  for the treatment of depression. This theory suggests that the way we 
  structure our daily lives affects our behavior. Proven to be an effective 
  method.

Burns, David D. M.D. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. N.Y: New American Library, 1981.

• A self- help book which advocates the theory of cognitive therapy for the
  treatment of depression. The author offers practical advice on how to 
  boost self- esteem, handle stress, hostility, and criticism.

Cohen, David B. Out of the Blue: Depression and Human Nature. N.Y: W.W. 
Norton, 1994.

• The author gives insight into the nature of the illness, possible causes, 
  genetic predisposition. Good usage of literary persons and themes to
  illustrate the prevalence of this medical problem. 

Cronkite, Kathy. On the Edge of Darkness. N.Y: Doubleday, 1994.

• The daughter of famed newscaster Walter Cronkite, gives the reader a 
  very personal look at her own exper iences battling depression. 

Duke, Patty and Gloria Hochman. A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic- 
Depressive Illness. N.Y: Bantam Books, 1992.

• The award- winning actress gives an autobiographical account of her 
  battle with manic- depression; the ups and downs, triumphs and tragedies
  that she faced until receiving emotional support and medical treatment 
  from professionals who understood what she was dealing with. Personal 
  memoirs interspersed with clinical information.

Fieve, Ronald R. Moodswing, the Third Revolution in Psychiatry. N.Y: Bantam 
Books, 1976.

• A classic study by the psychiatrist who developed the medical treatment 
  of lithium for the treatment of depression and mood disorders.

Gold, Mark S. M.D. The Good News About Depression. N.Y: Bantam Books, 
1995.

• Originally published in 1986, now newly expanded, this book discusses 
  the treatments available, medication, and emotional support resources for 
  those individuals suffering from depression. A very readable and 
  informative approach.

Greist, John H. M.D. & James W. Jefferson, M.D. Depression and Its Treatment.
American Psychiatric Press, 1984.

• The author provides information on the nature of depression, how it is 
  treated; how to recognize your symptoms. A bibliography of suggested
  readings are included.

Hauck, Paul A. Overcoming Depression. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 
1973.

• Positive tips for overcoming depression using RET(Rational- Emotive 
  Therapy) This method can help eliminate self-blame and self-pity
  which are some of the causes of depression.

Hyman, Jane. The Light Book: How Natural Artificial Light Affect our Health,
Mood, and Behavior. Los Angeles: J.P. Tarcher, 1990.

• The author discusses how light affects our whole being and personality.
  Suggests ways to change ones diet and sleep patterns to adapt to the loss
  of light during seasonal changes. 

Jamison, Kay R. Touched with Fire: Manic Depressive Illness and the Artistic 
Temperament. N.Y: Free Press, 1993.

• Excellent study of the link between creativity and manic depression 
  Some of the worlds most famous creative geniuses from more
  than 150 years ago suffered from manic depression. The lives of such great figures as Poe, Mozart, Van Gogh, and Coleridge are analyzed. 

Jamison, Kay R. An Unquiet Mind. N.Y: Knopf, 1995.

• Personal memoir of the authors battle with manic depression since 
  adolescence. Very readable and informative.

Kaysen, Susanna. Girl, Interrupted. New York: Vintage Books, 1994. 

• When the author was eighteen ,she was admitted to McLean Psychiatric Hospital in Massachusetts, where she was diagnosed with borderline
  personality disorder. This book is the result of her two-year stay. 

McGrath, Ellen et al. Women and Depression: Risk Factors and Treatment 
Issues. Washington, D.C: American Psychological Association, 1990.

• Discusses various treatments available for those suffering from 
  depression. Analyses certain personality traits, and psychological
  factors that put certain women at risk for developing depression 
  sometime in their lives.

McKnew, Donald H. Jr. M.D. Why Johnny Isnt Crying: Coping With Depression 
in Children. N.Y: W.W. Norton, 1983.

• Explores causes, risk factors, and treatment options for a problem 
  increasingly on the rise. This book is especially helpful for parents
  and educators who may need help in recognizing the symptoms of
  depression.

Miletich, John J. Depression: A Multimedia Sourcebook. Conn: Greenwood
Press, 1995.

• A great reference resource complete with recommended titles on the 
  subject of depression. Includes books, case studies, treatment options,
  psychological abstracts, booklets, and medications.

Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. N.Y: Harper & Row, 1971.

• The classic autobiographical novel of the poets mental breakdown and 
  subsequent suicide attempt. A graphic and personal study of the 
  devastating effects of depression.

Real, Terrence. I Dont Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy
of Male Depression. N.Y: Scribner, 1997.

• Actual case histories covering the taboo subject of depression among 
  males. 

Robbins, Paul R. Understanding Depression. North Carolina: McFarland & 
Company, 1993.

• Some of the topics discussed are the symptoms of depression, the 
  biological basis for depression, and when to seek professional help.
  Recommended for the general reader. 

Rosenthal, Norman E. Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: What It Is 
and How to Overcome It. N.Y: Guilford Press, 1993.

• A survival guide for the millions of people suffering from this disorder.
  Lists of support groups and resource centers as well as dietary menus are
  included.

Slagle, Priscilla , M.D. The Way Up From Down. N.Y: Random House, 1992.

• The author takes a nutritional, vitamin based and natural approach to 
  treating depression. By changing ones lifestyle and adopting a more 
  balanced way of life one can overcome stress and low moods.

Smyth, Angela. SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder: Who Gets it, What Causes It,
How to Cure It. London: Harper Collins, 1991.

• The basic premise of this book is light affects mood. The author suggests
  light therapy as an alternative to drug treatment. She shows you how to 
  better use the available light in you home or office.

Wurtzel, Elizabeth. Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America: A Memoir. 
Bridgewater, N.J: Replica Books, 1999. 

• The author describes the 10-year ordeal of suffering from depression 
  before she began medication treatments. This book is written from the
  point of view of a depressed adolescent.

Updated 02/08/2007