About the book: Understanding DepressionWith a foreword by Professor George Fink,
Director, Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria
�an insightful compendium on the nature, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of depression that is easy to read� it improves significantly our understanding of the illness and provides pointers towards the management of depression that might help prevent tragedies�� - Professor George Fink, Director, MHRIV
In her new book, Understanding Depression, acclaimed health writer Maria Prendergast takes us on a compelling journey through the world of depression. She examines in detail the definition, diagnosis, types and effects of depression, as well as exploring the many treatment and recovery options, including a chapter on food and chemical intolerance. Through a series of moving and intimate interviews with people from all walks of life who have survived the illness, Maria humanises the experience of depression. Significantly, this collection also gives voice to the personal stories of those who have lived with, or cared for, a person with depression.
Maria Prendergast also tackles the bigger picture; examining the information (and misinformation) available in the public arena; including perspectives from mental health professionals; and revealing the painfully inadequate state of our mental health services. Understanding Depression is an extremely accessible book that will undoubtedly further our understanding of this pervasive illness and, it is to be hoped, inspire a more enlightened approach to those who suffer from it.
Maria Prendergast is a freelance writer and broadcaster. She has written many books, including Understanding Asthma, Understanding Migraine, Stroke and Heart Attack Rehabilitation and Banks Behaving Badly. She was a feature writer for Australian Consolidated Press for many years and currently contributes to newspapers in Australia and the United Kingdom. She is on a number of boards and committees, including the board of DepressioNet, and has a strong interest in social and environmental issues.
Review by Dr Ronald McCoy
Understanding Depression by Maria Prendergast.
Penguin Books 2006
ISBN 0 14 100493 2
At last we have a balanced, easy to read book on one of the commonest conditions affecting our patients.
Many health books aimed at consumers are written by individuals or organisations trying to push an agenda or claim to offer patients the only way of dealing with a problem, but Understanding Depression is different.
Through a balanced thoughtful approach, the author takes a compassionate but "no stone unturned" approach to all aspects of this poorly understood health problem that has such a dramatic and often devastating impact on our community.
Taking great care and respect for her subject, the author critically examines the practical implications of our myths and beliefs around depression and they're impact upon family, friends, the workplace and society.
No issue is side stepped: antidepressant controversies, psychological therapies, drug treatment in pregnancy, discrimination, comorbidity and suicide amongst other often overlooked topics that are included.
Of particular value are the collections of stories of those living with and affected by depression. So often, these stories of pain and triumph are ignored, but here they are, all in the open for all to read with no holds barred on what our patients think about us - some good some bad. I think these stories will be of great value to patients coming to grips with their own depression, or people around them, and doctors should read them to see how effective they can be in helping people.
Easy to read, well written, yet comprehensive, Understanding Depression is a sound and above all balanced guide for consumers that can be confidently recommended to anyone affected by this common, but grave condition. Being published by Penguin, it has the advantage of being widely available everywhere.
Reviewed by Dr Ronald McCoy for the Royal Australian College of General Practioners Magazine and Web.
