Beating The Blues: New Approaches to Overcoming Dysthymia and Chronic Mild Depression.

BEATING THE BLUES: New Approaches to Overcoming Dysthymia and Chronic Mild Depression MICHAEL E. THASE AND SUSAN S. LANG

Mild depression or, as it's clinically known, dysthymia affects up to 35 million people in the United States, but only a fraction of them seeks treatment. Instead, most people with dysthymia cope without anyone's help, viewing the pessimism and feelings of unhappiness that accompany their condition as an unalterable personality trait. Depression researcher These and science writer Lang seek to dispel this myth and offer numerous ways in which mild depression can be overcome. They offer tips for determining whether you have depression, list common medications that can have depressive side effects, identify who's at risk of developing dysthymia, and offer readers advice on talking to a physician about their symptoms. The authors highlight the patterns of negative thinking that can lead to depressive feelings and offer ways to avoid falling into these traps. They also suggest treatments, ranging from psychotherapy and medication to exercise, and social support. Oxford, 2006, 208 p., paperback, S13.95.