Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides a comprehensive review of melancholia as a severe disorder of mood, associated with suicide, psychosis, and catatonia. The syndrome is defined with a clear diagnosis, prognosis, and range of management strategies. It challenges accepted doctrines and describes melancholia as a treatable and preventable mental illness.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'It is an exceptionally well researched and heavily referenced (50 pages) book and provides a sound source for further reading. … They give clear clinical advice on the management of melancholia and helping those that suffer from it. …If you are already a convert to the melancholia idea then this book will reinforce your view.' Psychological Medicine
Review of the hardback: '… I recommend the book without reservation.' Psychiatric Services
Review of the hardback: 'In the preface of Melancholia, the authors assert that one objective of the book is to 'Challenge accepted doctrines' regarding the classification and treatment of depressive illness. To this end, they don't disappoint, approaching this goal with a vigour that emanates from every section.' Psychiatric Services
Table of ContentsList of patient vignettes; Acknowledgements; Preface; 1. Melancholia: a conceptual history; 2. Melancholia defined; 3. Defining melancholia by psychopathology; 4. Defining melancholia: laboratory tests; 5. Examination for melancholia; 6. The differential diagnosis of melancholia; 7. Suicide in melancholia; 8. Electroconvulsive therapy for melancholia; 9. Achieving effective ECT; 10. The validity of the pharmacotherapy literature in melancholia; 11. Basic pharmacotherapy for melancholic patients; 12. Pharmacotherapy of melancholia: complicating circumstances.
