Living Longer Depression Free: A Family Guide to Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Depression in Later Life - Softcover

Miller, Mark D.; Reynolds III MD, Charles F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801871697 ISBN 13: 9780801871696

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003

Synopsis

Depression affects people of all ages, but is both more common and more serious for those over sixty. As many as half of all nursing home residents have depression, as do up to 40 percent of those who visit primary care clinics. Late-life depression is a disease with unique risk factors. Health problems, physical limitations, the loss of loved ones, and fears about financial issues all contribute to an increased incidence of depression, which, despite its prevalence, is not a normal part of the aging process. It can intensify existing medical conditions such as chronic pain and is far more likely to lead to suicide than does depression in younger people. There is good news, however: 80 percent of older people who receive treatment for depression make a complete recovery and enjoy fulfilling lives.

In Living Longer Depression Free, Mark D. Miller, M.D., and Charles F. Reynolds III, M.D., draw on their considerable experience in geriatric psychiatry to help elderly persons, their families, and their physicians accurately diagnose and treat late-life depression. This comprehensive, up-to-date guide begins with a discussion of the different types of depression, their causes, and symptoms. The authors then describe how doctors evaluate depression; present the treatment options available to patients today, including psychotherapy, medication, and alternative treatments; and offer strategies for achieving long-term mental health. Each chapter opens with a list of frequently asked questions and uses case studies to personalize the information provided, and the book closes with a useful list of resources for further information, including hotlines and websites.

Compassionate and accessible, Living Longer Depression Free is an invaluable guide for older people and their families striving to overcome this debilitating disease and prevent its recurrence.

About this title

Review:

It is good to see a book that so comprehensively informs sufferers and carers. It will be useful for those patients and carers who expect more information and want to take part in decisions.

(Susan Bedford International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

Mark Miller and Charles F. Reynolds III are two of the leading geriatric depression researchers... This book provides a valuable resource for older patients and their families. It is a useful and welcome addition to the growing library of lay-oriented books on depression and other mental illnesses.

(Paul E. Ruskin, M.D. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease)

This book will set the standard for some time to come... A first-rate resource for families and loved ones of depressed elders. Clear writing, concise tables, and solid science make this book the single-best text to offer the older depressed patient and family.

(Joshi John, MD and Gary J. Kennedy, MD Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

The authors have succeeded in presenting the present stage of knowledge about late-life depression in a useful, user-friendly format.

(Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease)

Take it from one who's been there. This is a thorough, carefully done, responsible, and remarkably useful book. Easy to read and understand. I admire immensely what Drs. Miller and Reynolds have given us.

(Mike Wallace, Senior Correspondent 60 Minutes)

This important, thorough work covers the various forms of and medical reasons for depression [in older people] and how it's related to Alzheimer's and other diseases; reviews how to evaluate and treat depression, including medication and psychotherapy; and presents numerous strategies for staying free of depression for the long term.... Though several works for health professionals contain similar information, this is the first book to address lay readers. Strongly recommended.

(Library Journal (starred review))

The authors succeed quite well in describing the symptoms and treatment of depressive syndromes in the geriatric population. It is well organized and comprehensive in the topics it covers, and easy reading without being simplistic.

(Francis M. Mondimore, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, author of Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families)

A comprehensive, original work from a group recognized as leading researchers on this topic.

(Peter V. Rabins, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, coauthor of The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life)

In this book, two of the pioneers in the diagnosis and treatment of depression in older people present the most recent information on the state of our knowledge in this important consideration. Drs. Miller and Reynolds are geriatric psychiatrists who have devoted their careers to the issue of depression in older people. Through their important work, they have advanced our understanding and have taught us much of what we know in this area. They summarize their experience over the past two decades and provide useful information for anyone dealing with depression in his or her own life.

(from the foreword by Barry D. Lebowitz, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental Health)

An excellent brief readable book on depression.

(Ruth Harriet Jacobs, Ph.D. The Senior Times)

Book Description:

"This important and thorough work covers the various forms of and medical reasons for depression and how it's related to Alzheimer's and other diseases; reviews how to evaluate and treat depression; including medication and psychotherapy; and presents numerous strategies for staying free of depression for the long term. Strongly recommended."— Library Journal

"Take it from one who's been there. This is a thorough, carefully done, responsible, and remarkably useful book. Easy to read and understand. I admire immensely what Drs. Miller and Reynolds have given us."—Mike Wallace, Senior Correspondent, 60 Minutes

About this edition

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0801871697
• ISBN 13: 9780801871696
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312