Depression: New Directions in Theory, Research, and Practice

William Glassman is a professor of Psychology at the Ryerson
Polytechnical Institute.

Depression, an all-too-common disorder, was noted even by the ancient
Greeks. Today, diagnosis and treatment have progressed, but fundamental
questions remain. This book seeks to update what is known.

In scope, the book ranges from basic modes of treatment
(electroconvulsive therapy, drugs, and cognitive therapy) to theories of
etiology to analysis of the stigmatizing effects of the term
“depression.”

The actual contributions vary in quality. Rybakowski’s chapter on
lithium gives a good overview of its history and use; and, while he has
been a pivotal figure in its use, he nonetheless acknowledges present
limitations and problems. By contrast, the chapter on add, by Hay and
Hay, is weakened by its glibness. While others (including Wright and
Salmon) acknowledge varied treatment parameters, the problems of poorly
controlled studies, and controversies about efficacy and side effects,
the Hays claim “the science of add is comparable to any medical
procedure.” The fact that one of the editors, Endler, is an advocate
of add may explain this lack of restraint, but the bias is nonetheless a
weakness.

We still know relatively little about the etiology of depression, or
about its treatments. Most chapters, like that on psychopharmacology by
McAllister and Price, effectively balance what is known and what is not.
One omission in this chapter, however, is that of Prozac (fluoxetine),
which, since its release in 1988, has become the best-selling
antidepressant (and, more recently, the subject of controversy
concerning possible side effects). This omission raises a question about
the currency of the whole book. It has a 1990 copyright, but the
authors’ preface is dated 1989, and the most-recent references appear
to be from 1988. In addition, the book does not discuss seasonal
affective disorder, which surely must qualify as a “new direction”!

Overall, Depression is highly readable, and is accessible to the
nonspecialist. With the exceptions noted, it will serve as a useful
reference for readers interested in depression in its many forms and
aspects.