| Abstract: | Reviews the book, Depression by Lynn P. Rehm (see record 2010-13521-000). This volume on depression is one of a number of books in a series devoted to the advancement and practice of evidence-based psychotherapy. Topics in this series cover a variety of conditions and are intended to provide therapists with an authoritative, reader-friendly, succinct and practical, evidence-based guide on diagnosis and treatment. In this regard, Lynn Rehm’s book on Depression delivers. The book is organized into four main sections: (1) description of depression, (2) theoretical models, (3) diagnosis and treatment indicators, and (4) methods of treatment. The text is well written and interesting, and the margins include helpful summary points. Depression is a heterogeneous and complex disorder, and there is a copious literature devoted to this area. Summarising this vast topic in an 86-page treatise is no small feat. Rehm, who spent his career studying and treating depression, and who developed self- management therapy for this disorder, did a laudable job in presenting this concise guide for clinicians. This book would be most helpful for busy clinicians and students who would like to obtain a quick summary of the psycho pathology, assessment, and treatment of depression. It is important to point out, however, that the emphasis of this book is not on the provision of practical tips or a description of session-by-session treatment plans. In my opinion, the strength of this book (a contemporary and concise summary of the literature related to depression) is also its main weakness (i.e., it is not comprehensive and does not provide the details necessary for implementing the treatment strategies). Given its mandate, this critique may be more a function of the series than the book itself. This book is intended for psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors/social workers, students, and trainees. If the reader is looking for a “Cole’s notes” version of depression research and practice, this book would not disappoint. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) |
