Book reviews -- Depression: Theories and Treatment by Arthur Schwartz and Ruth M. Schwartz

Depression: Theories and Treatment. Arthur Schwartz and Ruth M. Schwartz. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993. 534 pp. $37.50.

For the busy practitioner with little time to study research on depression, Depression: Theories and Treatment compiles pertinent information in one critical source. The authors summarize the biological, psychological, and what they call "unified" theories and treatment of depression. A lengthy, technical book, especially in applying biological research, it brings together the diverse, conflicting, and competing information on depression. Such an overview facilitates a comparison of the biological, psychological, and sociological views on the causes and treatment of depression.

Any given professional has a tendency to approach any given problem from his or her own point of view or paradigm. In the same vein, the medical, psychological, and social work professions tend to view and treat depression from different filters and methods. Nonetheless, clients deserve care exercised in light of up-to-date current research. This book is a reference for all professionals who provide mental health counseling to persons with depression. With the help of such a critical review of current research, professionals can stay knowledgeable about the latest findings. It is also a sourcebook for those who work in settings where professionals from multiple disciplines practice together. It can improve communication among disciplines, not only because the various approaches are in one source, but because any discipline-specific terms are defined right in the text. This facilitates comprehension of the material and may open up dialogue between the disciplines.

As a useful guide for the beginning professional, part I defines and discusses symptoms and explains the formal criteria for the diagnosis of depression. With the exception of those trained in medicine or pharmacology, a new worker would probably find the material in part II overwhelming. However, after reading the material they may become confident enough to challenge the use of medication when symptoms indicate the medication may be more harmful than helpful.

The material on biological theories and treatment is more comprehensive than is the material on the psychological and unified approaches. This indicates either a bias or an indictment of some professions for failing to do more research to test the validity of their assumptions and methods. The final section of the book deals with depression and contemporary issues such as gender, aging, children, couples and families, and cultural diversity. This final section consolidates the pertinent, current issues that can complicate the treatment of clients with depression.

This book is a must read for the practitioner who works with clients experiencing clinical depression. A social worker can read and understand the biological research just as a medical doctor could read and understand the psychological research. As expressed throughout its pages, this book will encourage communication among the different disciplines and foster cooperation between both research and treatment.

Copyright Family Service America Jan 1995
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved