| Abstract: | Reviews the book, Depression in the medically ill: An integrated approach by G. Rodin, J. Craven, and C. Littlefield (see record 1991-97973-000). This book provides an in-depth coverage of current issues in the management of depression in the medically ill. The book is balanced in theoretical perspective and quite comprehensive in coverage of the empirical literature. The authors are well known to the area of depression and physical illness. The book is organized into three main sections dealing with 1) Clinical Presentation, 2) Etiology and Pathogenesis, and 3) Treatment. Numerous case examples are provided throughout to highlight different aspects of symptom presentation, diagnostic problems, and therapeutic management. Notably lacking from the review of prevalence studies is the work examining depression and chronic pain populations. In sum, Rodin et al. have drawn on a vast literature to provide a clear and coherent picture of the current state of knowledge and theory dealing with depression and medical illness. Their book joins a number of recent papers attempting to draw more attention to clinical issues in the management of depression in the medically ill. I would recommend the book to all clinicians who work with medically ill populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
