Libri di Gordon Parker

Bipolar depression is now known to exist as a spectrum of disorders rather than a single disease entity. Bipolar II Disorder exists on this spectrum as a condition where the depressive episodes are as severe as in Bipolar I Disorder, but where the mood elevation states are not as extreme. This unexpected combination can lead to a failure to detect a condition thought to affect up to 6% of the population. This book reviews, for the first time, our knowledge of this debilitating disorder, covering its history, classification and neurobiology. In a unique section, fourteen internationally recognised experts debate management strategies, building to some consensus, and resulting in treatment guidelines where no such advice currently exists. It should be read by all health professionals managing mood disorders and will be informative to those wishing to learn more about the condition.

The DSM and ICD mental illness classificatory systems define mood disorder as essentially a single condition varying only by severity; however, there are major problems with this approach. In this book, Gordon Parker and Vijaya Manicavasagar expose the weaknesses in the existing models, and describe a new approach to sub-typing and managing depression based on there being some specific defined manifestations, including melancholia and psychotic depression, as well as versions of the condition highly dependent on life stresses and personality styles. They argue that depression can exist as a disease, a disorder, a syndrome and a normal reaction, and it therefore requires a multi-modal approach to conceptualization and management. Highly illustrated in full colour throughout and written in an entertaining, but informative and practical style, this book should be read by all those responsible for managing or caring for individuals with mental illness.