If you or someone you know has clinical depression, marshalling all the information about the condition and its treatment is the first step to recovery. Depression: The Facts provides an easy to understand overview of clinical depression for sufferers, their friends, and families and also for GP's, psychiatrists and other clinicians. It begins with a close look at the signs and symptoms of clinical depression, as well as the process of diagnosis and the different subtypes (including major depression, dysthymia, manic-depression, and seasonal affective disorder). The second part of the book covers the current understanding of the causes of depression, based on the best scientific evidence. Individual chapters then cover the full range of treatment options available, including antidepressant drugs, behavioural and psychosocial interventions, electroconvulsive therapy and light therapy. The book concludes with practical guidance on self-help in depression, and useful advice for family and friends. ABOUT THE SERIES The Facts Series offers clear, straightforward and practical advice about a range of medical conditions and topics. Every title is written by a specialist in the field, so the reader can be sure that the information is reliable, authoritative and balanced. The experts cover all the most frequently-asked questions, from background information to treatment options, terminology, how daily life will be affected, and where to go for more help.