Recommended Reading
The books included in the list are written either by mental health professionals for patients, family members, or the general public or are first-hand accounts written by family members or patients about their experiences. Many are available in paperbound editions. The list is generally limited to materials published after 1984, except for certain titles widely used and considered to be classics. The list of resources is by no means exhaustive.
Recovering from Depression: A Workbook for Teens by Mary Ellen Copeland and Stuart Copans, 2002, Brookes Publishing Co. Baltimore, MD
Written by noted mental health educator and researcher and adolescent psychiatrist, this is the newest of a series of self-help workbooks with practical steps for reflection and recovery. This easy to use workbook will enable teens to assess how they feel and determine what to do to return to enjoying a rich, full life like every young person deserves.
Childhood Depression Sourcebook by Jeffrey A. Miller, 1999, Lowell House
This comprehensive book includes information on the symptoms of childhood depression, problems that may occur because of the depression, treatment methods, and parenting strategies.
The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated "Chronically Inflexible" Children, by Ross W. Green, 1998, Harper Collins, New York.
A leading therapist offers a new approach to understanding and helping children who suffer intense temper outbursts, extreme noncompliance, and verbal and physical aggression. Drawing upon recent advances in the neuroscience, Dr. Greene describes the factor that contribute to "inflexible-explosive" behavior in children and why the strategies that work for most children aren't as effective for inflexible-explosive children. Then, with the help of "snapshots" from the lives of children, parents, and teachers with whom he has worked over the years, Dr. Greene lays out a sensitive, practical, effective, systematic approach to helping these children at home and school.
Depression and Its Treatment, revised edition, by John H. Griest and James W. Jefferson (Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Press, 1992).
This updated edition provides an excellent overview of depression. Detailed information about the effectiveness of treatments is especially helpful. The book uses a question-and-answer format and is written at an easy-to-understand level.
Depression: Challenge the Beast within Yourself and Win-I did. Here's my Story by Cait Irwin, Cait; 1998, AVI CommunicationsDallas, TX
Written by a high-school senior for other teens, Ms. Irwin has created a powerful visual image of depression that will be appeal especially to pre-teens and teens. She explains how depression affected her life and that of friends and family. Cait inspires others to confront and defeat depression in this self-illustrated journal that is inspiring and insightful.
Depression: The Mood Disease, revised edition, by Francis Mark Mondimore (Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993).
In clear, concise language, the author tells readers about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression. A chapter offering practical advice on relapse, psychotherapy, and hospitalization is included.
Depression: What Families Should Know by Elaine Fantle Shimberg (New York, Ballantine, 1992).
This book is a guide to help families deal with the feelings and stress that result when a loved one is suffering from depression.
Everything You Need to Know About Prozac by Jeffrey M. Jonas and Ron Schaumburg (New York, Bantam, 1991).
In understandable language, this book discusses not only Prozac but also depression and its treatment. It provides insight into the Prozac controversy and allays fears and reservations a user may have as a result of adverse publicity in the media.
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns (New York, Morrow, 1980).
The author describes an approach to mood modification using cognitive therapy techniques that are easily mastered and proven to be effective. This book is well known among mental health professionals and can be considered a classic.
Growing Up Sad: Childhood Depression and Its Treatment by Leon Cytryn and Donald McKnew; 1996, W. W. Norton & Co., New York, NY
The authors have updated their classic study, Why Isn't Johnny Crying? that looks at the symptoms and treatment of childhood-onset depression. The authors give an authoritative summary of research, counsel prompt diagnosis, and assert that the disorder is treatable.
Help Me, I'm Sad: Recognizing, treating, and preventing childhood and adolescent depression, by Davod Fassler MD and Lynne S. Dumas, 1997 Penguin Putnam, New York
Especially helpful to parents and other caregivers in recognizing the warning signs of depression whatever the developmental stage. Offers case histories to illustrate what childhood-onset depression looks like at different ages.
Helping Your Depressed Child, Lawrence Kerns and Adrienne Lieberman, 1993, Out-of-print (Look in local libraries)
A compassionate, comprehensive how-to guide about childhood depression, its biological components, treatments, and needed services.
Helping Your Depressed Teenager: A Guide for Parents and Caregiversby Gerald D. Oster and Sarah S. Montgomery, 1995 John Wiley & Sons, New York
The authors--a psychologist and a social worker--contrast clinical depression with normal adolescent mood changes. They deal realistically with teenage suicide and urge prompt intervention. The book is readable, but understates the biological basis of the disorder and the role of medication in treatment.
His Bright Light by Danielle Steel,, 1998
Best selling novelist Danielle Steel turns in an emotional memoir of her son's struggle with bipolar disorder (manic depression), which led to his suicide at age 19. The book intersperses Steel's recollections with excerpts from her son's personal journals. A fitting tribute to a life lost to mental illness and a clarion call for better treatment and understanding of early-onset brain disorders in children.
How to Cope With Depression: A Complete Guide for You and Your Family by J. Raymond De Paulo, Jr., and Keith Russell Ablow (New York, McGraw-Hill, 1989).
The authors show how depression affects the life of both the patient and the family and describe what can be done to treat it. The writing style is easy to follow, and a concise overview of the symptoms and treatment of depression is offered.
How to Heal Depression by Harold H. Bloomfield and Peter McWilliams (Los Angeles, Prelude Press, 1994).
This book, written in a clear and precise style, includes sections on what depression is and its possible causes, on medical treatment, and on therapies that have proven successful. The final section provides specific information, suggestions, and resources to consider while in treatment. The major difference between this book and others on depression is that most of the information is condensed into one or one and a half pages per chapter topic, which persons newly diagnosed or just beginning treatment might find a real plus; information is provided, but the reader is not overwhelmed.
Lonely, Sad, and Angry: A Parent's Guide to Depression in Children and Adolescents by Barbara Ingersoll and Sam Goldstein 1995, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, New York
The author covers the symptoms of depression, its diagnosis, causes, treatment (including medication), suicide, and management strategies at home and at school. Teenagers can read this book.
Moodswing: Dr. Fieve on Depression, revised and expanded edition, by Ronald R. Fieve (New York, Morrow, 1989).
The author pioneered the use of lithium for the treatment of manic-depression. Using case histories, he describes symptoms characteristic of this disorder. An extremely helpful section explains how depression can be treated outside the hospital and when hospitalization is necessary.
Mortal Matters: When a Loved One Dies by Sara Engram (Kansas City, Missouri, Andrews & McMeel, 1990).
The author provides basic information for persons who must cope with the sudden death or suicide of a relative or friend. Step-by-step advice is offered on how to make funeral arrangements, notify family and friends, and discuss the death with children. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the author's responses are easily read, and the advice is practical and informative.
No One Saw My Pain: Why Teens Kill Themselves by Andrew Slaby and Lili Frank Garfinkle (New York, Norton, 1994).
The distinguished first author brings his experience as a clinician, researcher, and teacher to this collaboration, which has yielded a very readable book. Psychological profiles of severely depressed adolescents are presented to illustrate the factors that may lead to suicide. The book offers guidelines for recognizing and working with teenagers who are suicidal. The book can be recommended with confidence to parents who need information to understand teen depression and suicide.
On the Edge of Darkness: Conversations About Depression by Kathy Cronkite (New York, Doubleday, 1994).
Through interviews with well-known persons such as Joan Rivers and Mike Wallace, Ms. Cronkite helps remove the stigma often associated with depression. Her interviews with medical professionals give the reader an understanding of the illness and pointers for identifying it. The book is a valuable resource, carefully edited and easy to read.
Seasons of the Mind: Why You Get the Winter Blues and What You Can Do About It by Norman E. Rosenthal (New York, Bantam Books, 1989).
This book offers a blend of anecdotes and facts about seasonal affective disorder. The author explains how to assess symptoms and choose among available treatments and offers advice for family and friends. Discussions of support groups and diet are included, as is a reading list. The last section, titled "Celebrating the Season,'' offers a historic and cultural look at seasonal affective disorder.
Stronger Than Death: When Suicide Touches Your Life by Sue Chance (New York, Norton, 1992).
The author writes a moving personal account of the aftermath of her son's suicide. Excerpts from a journal she kept after the suicide convey to the reader an understanding of the grieving process experienced by survivors and offer strategies for coping. Particularly useful to persons who are newly bereaved.
Suicide: The Forever Decision: For Those Thinking About Suicide and for Those Who Know, Love, or Counsel Them, new expanded edition, by Paul G. Quinnett (New York, Continuum, 1992).
An unusually frank discussion of a complex topic. The author's approach is supportive, and he includes an objective review of how and when to get professional help.
Understanding Depression: A Complete Guide to Its Diagnosis and Treatment by Donald F. Klein and Paul H. Wender (New York, Oxford University Press, 1993).
The authors clarify the difference between feelings of depression as normal emotion and biological depression as illness. Self-screening tests that can help determine if a person requires further evaluation are included. Sections on biological depression incorporate information on talk and drug therapy and on how to get help.
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison (New York, Knopf, 1995).
Dr. Jamison has written a valuable book about her personal struggle since adolescence with manic-depressive illness. She describes her battle with the illness and her slow and painful recovery process. Readers will appreciate the vivid and direct writing style.
We Heard the Angels of Madness: One Family's Struggle With Manic Depression by Diane and Lisa Berger (New York, Morrow, 1991).
The authors explain how their family coped with the illness of their son and nephew. The book covers drugs, therapy, insurance, and other issues. It offers a frank discussion of the symptoms of manic-depression, effective treatments, and possible causes.
When the Blues Won't Go Away: New Approaches to Dysthymic Disorder and Other Forms of Chronic Low-Grade Depression by Robert M. Hirschfeld with Susan Meltsner (New York, Macmillan, 1991).
This book discusses dysthymic disorder, which the authors define as "depression that is long lasting and relatively mild.'' They offer information about symptoms and diagnosis as well as practical suggestions and a self-help program that should prove useful to persons suffering from dysthymia.
Words I Never Thought to Speak: Stories of Life in the Wake of Suicide by Victoria Alexander (New York, Lexington Books, 1991).
The author, whose mother committed suicide, has written this book for others who have lost a loved one through suicide. The book lists resources and a selected reading list that would be useful to survivors as well as to mental health professionals working with survivors.
You Mean I Don't Have to Feel This Way? New Help for Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction by Colette Dowling (New York, Bantam, 1993).
This book offers valuable information for persons who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders. The author dispels many misconceptions often held by both patients and therapists. Included is an excellent chapter providing accurate, practical information on available treatments.
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