Table of Contents
Series Foreword xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction xv
Guide to Health Literacy xix
Common Misconceptions about Depression xxvii
Questions and Answers 1
General Information 3
1 What is depression? 3
2 Are there different types of depression? 4
3 What is the difference between being depressed and being unhappy? 6
4 How widespread is depression? 7
5 Who is most likely to develop depression? 9
6 How does depression change across the life span? 10
7 What are some of the most common signs that someone is depressed? 12
8 Are there other medical conditions that can mimic depression? 13
9 What is learned helplessness? 14
10 How far back in history does depression go? 16
11 Why do so many people with depression try to hide their symptoms? 18
12 Is there a depression epidemic? 19
Causes and Risk Factors 23
13 Why do individuals become depressed? 23
14 Is depression linked to trauma? 24
15 Why is depression so common in young people? 26
16 What causes postpartum depression? 28
17 What causes seasonal affective disorder? 30
18 Is depression caused by a brain disorder? 32
19 Is depression genetic? 33
20 Can bullying lead to depression? 35
21 How is grief related to depression? 37
22 Is depression linked to early childhood problems? 38
23 Is chronic pain linked to depression? 40
24 Why is depression so common in the military? 42
25 Are sexual minorities more vulnerable to depression? 43
Consequences of Depression 45
26 Can depression lead to drug or alcohol abuse? 45
27 Why are depression and anxiety often seen together? 47
28 How does depression affect families? 48
29 What are the real costs of depression to society? 50
30 Are people with depression at risk for suicide? 51
Culture, Media, and Depression 53
31 How do different cultures view depression? 53
32 How are goth and emo subcultures linked to depression? 54
33 Can social media make depression worse? 56
34 Why is there such stigma surrounding depression? 57
Treatment, Prevention, and Life after Depression 61
35 How can people with depression find help? 61
36 What are some of the most common forms of treatment for children and adults dealing with depression? 62
37 What is a treatment plan? 64
38 How do antidepressant medications work? 66
39 Are there risks associated with taking antidepressant medication? 68
40 What are some of the alternatives to drug treatment? 70
41 Do herbal and dietary remedies work in treating depression? 71
42 What is cognitive behavioral therapy? 74
43 What is mindfulness therapy? 76
44 What is interpersonal psychotherapy? 78
45 Who should receive group therapy? 79
46 What can parents do to help children who are depressed? 81
47 Can online support groups help with depression? 82
48 Does the risk of depression ever go away? 83
49 How effective are awareness campaigns in helping people who are depressed? 85
50 Can people who have been depressed learn to move on with their lives? 86
Case Studies 89
Glossary 103
Directory of Resources 115
Index 119
