Clinical Manual for Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is a dangerous and debilitating illness that, tragically, often has fatal consequences. Studies indicate that between 16 per cent and 54 per cent of all depressed adults suffer from a psychosis. While this condition is completely treatable, thousands of cases remain misdiagnosed or overlooked because of a lack of interest and awareness among clinicians, the pharmaceutical industry, and the National Institute of Mental Health. As the first management of patients with psychotic depression, this book is an invaluable resource for both clinicians and students. Drawing on his own experience in clinical care and careful consideration of the existing medical literature, The author systematically describes the history, epidemiology, and possible biological causes of psychotic depression and outlines various approaches for diagnosis and assessment. He then offers a practical guide for individualized treatment strategies for psychotic depression, such as electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy, and recent breakthroughs in pharmacologic treatment.