Main description:

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 comprehensive guide to cover assessment, treatment, and management of patients with psychotic depression, "Clinical Manual for Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychotic Depression", by Dr. Anthony Rothschild, 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, Dr. Rothschild 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. In addition, Dr. Rothschild identifies issues of care and management for specific patient populations - including seniors, adolescents, women in the postpartum, and patients at risk for suicide - in a variety of treatment settings. Each chapter includes the following features to emphasize the data and further enhance learning: detailed tables and charts; key clinical points that summarize the main ideas of the chapter; a recommended reading list of books and periodicals that address similar topics; and, analysis and review of relevant clinical studies.