Getting the best treatment for depression, not just 'how to cope'

Any suffering from anxiety or depression will find plenty of books on the market about the topic - what makes THE PEACE OF MIND PERSCRIPTION: AN AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO FINDING THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION provides important information on how to get the best treatment, not just how to cope with the problem. Now available in paperback is a fine reference to the world of psychiatry which contrasts treatment approaches, links case history examples to illustrate points, and surveys both seasonal and medical depression. An important, essential guide any general collection should include.


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A Useful and Informative Survey


"Our fundamental message is hopeful: people can overcome anxiety and depression and find well-being, zest, and greater emotional resilience".

So write the authors of The Peace of Mind Prescription in a call to empowering those who suffer with anxiety and depression. They go on to say, "We're not saying the path will be easy, quick, or painless, but we are certain that good information is the foundation for any successful treatment - and that is what this book contains".

The first section characterizes mental health, resilience, and dysfunction. There is a useful overview of the operation of various neurotransmitters, as well as a discussion of the connection between physical well being and mental health.

Subsequent sections go into detail describing the variety of anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as the range of available treatments. There is a balanced and comprehensive review of various medications, how their functioning is presently understood, and what the common side effects entail. Particular issues pertaining to anxiety and depression in men, women, young people, and the elderly are also addressed.

Equipped with the information contained in this book, sufferers of anxiety and depression will be able to make more informed decisions regarding their treatment than would otherwise be the case. I would certainly recommend it for family members as well.


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Why no discussion of nutrition?

Overall, this seems to be a good survey of ailments and <<medically approved>> treatment options. Unfortunately you will find no mention of amino acids, vitamins or minerals and their effect on the mind. Nor mention of sugar, a heavily abused substance that can darken one's mood. A caution against St. John's wort gets a couple pages, but otherwise nada. For the holistic alternatives you'll have to turn to books such as 'Mind Boosters' and 'The Way Up'. I'm disappointed that nutritional supplements are not given at least lip-service in a supposedly comprehensive work such as this.

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