This Is Depression: A Comprehensive, Compassionate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Understand Depression, McIntosh Diane

Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh is a committed and renowned public educator, whose writing on mental illness has earned her a dedicated following on the Huffington Post. Here, she provides you the information you need to understand and combat this serious, isolating disorder. With compassion and humour, Dr. McIntosh takes a science-based approach to explaining the causes, effects, and treatment of depression, while providing evidence that it can be overcome.

She outlines how factors such as life experiences, genetics, and hormones play a role in the development and maintenance of depression, and describes the common overlap between depression and other mental and physical illnesses.

An expert in pharmacology, Dr. McIntosh reviews the medications available for the treatment of depression, and assesses whether they are worth it, useless--or even dangerous. She also evaluates the efficacy of other forms of treatments, including psychotherapy, brain-stimulation treatments, and exercise. Finally, she describes how all areas of life can be impacted by depression, including the ability to function optimally at home and work.