Analyses of Depression

Coyne, James C., editor. Essential Papers on Depression. New York: New York University Press, 1985.

This collection of basic resources explores various theories of depression, including psychoanalytic, behavioral and cognitive, interpersonal and social, and biomedical. Not for the faint at heart, this nonetheless readable collection illuminates scientific understanding about depression, its causes and treatment. However, such understanding is not without peril; my own psychotherapist advised me to stop reading these articles, as they made me prone to erroneous self-diagnosis.

Karp, David A. Speaking of Sadness: Depression, Disconnection, and the Meanings of Illness. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.

An excellent sociological study, based on 50 depth interviews, of the meanings depressed persons ascribe to their condition and the processes by which they come to do so. Themes include the language depressives use to describe their conditions, how they come to recognize themselves as depressed persons, the evolution of their illnesses, the meanings of medication for depressives, coping and adapting skills used by depressives, living and coping with depressives, and the social consequences of depression. He makes a sound argument that all illnesses—including depression—are partly social and that depression has important roots in American culture. He notes that the biological model of depression is gaining ground as drug manufacturers exploit its profit potential, and decries the fact that drug-based treatment of depression tends to crowd out other treatment methods.

Medina, John. Depression: How It Happens, How It's Healed. n.p. CME, Inc., and New Harbinger Publications, 1998.

This unique resource provides a highly-organized overview of depression, its causes, effects, and treatments. It is greatly enhanced by its straightforward exposition, methodical arrangement of material, and wonderfully expressive graphical treatment of this complex subject. Though easy to read and follow, it provides a depth of understanding not available from many other sources. Highly recommended as a first introduction and basic resource on depression and its treatment.

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