Out of the Blue

Almost everyone has been touched by at least a mild form of depression, and thus has some sense of what severe depressive illness must be like. In addition to the most serious clinical cases that can lead to institutionalization or even suicide, this book explores the "normal" depression we all experience—the inevitable blues that accompany troubled personal relationships, career setbacks, or the death of a loved one. It addresses questions about the nature of depression, where it comes from, who is at risk, and what it indicates about human experience.

With a compelling mix of information, illustration, and interpretation, David B. Cohen explores the current state of knowledge about depression, including the powerful influence of genetics. In addition to depressive illness, the book deals with related subjects such as mourning, mania, the rhythms of sleep, self concepts, and suicide. Insights from psychology and psychiatry are blended with history, literature, current events, and topped off with a dose of common sense.

David B. Cohen, Ph.D., is professor of psychology in the clinical psychology program at the University of Texas at Austin.

1995 / paperback / ISBN 0-393-31299-2 / 368 pages / PSYCHOLOGY

• "David B. Cohen has a lively, enjoyable style, a fund of delightful examples, and a real gift for conveying material in an understandable way." —David T. Lykken, University of Minnesota