Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Depression

Chronic depression is recognized as one of the most common and challenging problems in mental health today. In the United States alone, it is estimated that over 6% of the general population and about 25% of all depressed inpatients and outpatients suffer from chronic depression. Despite its prevalence, dysthymic disorder had often been misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Reflecting the significant progress that has been made in recent years, this comprehensive volume features contributions from leading experts who bring readers completely up to date with the latest research on chronic depression as well as with the most recent advances in treatment.

Following an incisive foreword by Allen J. Frances, Chair of the American Psychiatric Association's Task Force on DSM-IV, chapters discuss many of the problems that arise in classifying chronic depression and in treating and diagnosing the individual patient. Dysthymic disorder in childhood and adolescence is explored, as is the co-occurrence of dysthymic disorder with other conditions. The text also sheds light on the social and vocational impairments often experienced by those who suffer from chronic depression. Included are in-depth discussions about the course and natural history of dysthymia as well as what is known about the family history of this disorder. Of particular interest to clinicians are chapters that cover the pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy of dysthymic disorder and address how best to assess symptoms and evaluate change during treatment.

The volume's unparalleled broad coverage and its attention to clinical issues make Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Depression a valuable resource for all mental health professionals, including researchers, clinical and counseling psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers and psychiatric nurses.