By Miriam Kaufman, MD; 262 pages. From the book cover: "In clear and accessible language, [Kaufman] explains what teen depression is, and how it can be overcome. She gives parents a thorough overview with the most up-to-date medical knowledge, and includes many illustrative case histories."
"Clear and accessible" are the watchwords here. This is a book that's more concerned with the facts of depression than with the feelings that can swamp families. It's a useful, if not wholly satisfying, approach.
- Straightforward and easy to read
- For a book by a doctor, it's light on jargon
- Values medication but is realistic about effects
- Open-minded about different types of treatment
- Empowers parents to do something in an often hopeless-seeming situation
- May seem a little too deliberate for such an emotional subject
- Comments about society may not sit well with some parents
- No mention of cutting and other self-injury that often accompanies teen depression
- Not much on eating disorders
- Case studies may be distracting if they don't reflect your family's experience
- Chapter 1: What Exactly Is Teen Depression?
Chapter 2: Adolescent Emotions - Chapter 3: The Many Types of Depression
- Chapter 4: Medications in the Treatment of Depression
- Chapter 5: Psychotherapy for Depression
Chapter 6: Alternative Treatments - Chapter 7: Substance Abuse and Depression
- Chapter 8: Anxiety Disorders and Depression
- Chapter 9: Medical Conditions and Depression
- Chapter 10: Special Cases
Chapter 11: Adolescent Suicide - Chapter 12: Question Period
Chapter 13: Depression and Society - Appendix: Types of Psychotherapy
Index
How you feel about this book may depend on what kind of help you want when you're desperately worried about your child. Some parents will want sympathy and compassion. Some will want to read in detail about how other families survived the same thing. Some will just want the facts, clear-headed marching orders for making a difference. Overcoming Teen Depression will appeal most to that last group. Beyond a little lip service in the introduction about how difficult teen depression is for families and a quick section reassuring parents that their child's sadness is not their fault, author Kaufman doesn't waste much time on parents' feelings. And maybe that's for the best. Teen depression can be sufficiently serious that it's best to act now and ask questions later.
Unlike Easy for You to Say, another Harried Parent's Book Club selection by Dr. Kaufman that answers questions posed by teens struggling with chronic illness or disability, Overcoming Teen Depression is for the grown-ups in their lives -- parents, especially, but also teachers, counselors, youth group workers, and anybody else likely to come in meaningful contact with hurting kids. A Q&A section at the end does feature questions from teens, but more to help adults get inside their heads. If you want a book that will speak to your child, Easy for You to Say is a better choice; this one's all about bringing Mom and Dad up to speed.
