Living with Depression: Why Biology and Biography Matter Along the Path to Hope and Healing

New York psychologist Serani helps patients understand their depression by first understanding what depression is, and then how to navigate the complex system of seeking effective treatment. In the first chapter, Serani shares her own experience with debilitating depression with hopes that her experience "will serve as an encouraging reminder that depression can be treated." As she moves into the more scientific sections of the book, she uses examples from her personal and professional experiences to provide more rounded explanations. She understands and acknowledges the reserves people have about using medication and consciously addresses the different treatments with that in mind. The aim of this book is to help patients come to terms with the diagnosis and the attendant stigma attached. A list of high profile people with mood disorders serves to demonstrate its commonality but really only cheapens Serani's cause. Much of the focus is on being proactive and utilizing available resources. There is a brief chapter devoted to alternative treatment, which she endorses, but for the most part, Serani seems to promote pharmacological treatments as making the most sense in certain cases (including hers). While the intentions are clear, Serani's mix of memoir and resource may prevent readers from connecting with her. (July)