THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON: SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER, GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER, OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER, AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

Based on the latest scientific findings, a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of teenage depression. Each year thousands of American teenagers are diagnosed with clinical depression. If ignored, poorly treated, or left untreated, it can be a devastating illness for adolescents and their families. Drawing on her many years of experience as a pychiatrist working with teenagers, Dr. Maureen Empfield answers the questions parents and teens have about depression, providing detailed information on: *Identifying the different types of depression *How depression is diagnosed *Which teenagers are most at risk *Suicide *The effect of depression on other teenage problems *How depression is treated and by whom *The drugs used to treat teenage depression - what they are and how they work *When a teenager needs to be hospitalized for depression *and more Understanding Teenage Depression provides the latest scientific findings on this serious condition, and the most up to date information on its treatment. The book includes numerous vignettes drawn from Dr. Empfield's clinical practice as well as first person accounts from teenagers who have themselves suffered from depression. Understanding Teenage Depression is a book that anyone who's been touched by this disease - whether parents, teachers, family members or teens themselves - will find invaluable.

The timely second edition of this bestselling guide will inform and encourage struggling adolescents and their families. In Adolescent Depression, psychiatrists Francis Mark Mondimore, MD, and Patrick Kelly, MD, explain that serious depression in adolescents goes beyond "moodiness." Depression is in fact an illness—one that can be effectively treated. The authors describe the many forms of depression and the many symptoms of depression in young people—from sadness to irritability, self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, and violent rages. Incorporating the latest research from the field of adolescent psychiatry, this comprehensive and compassionate guide answers questions that many parents have, including What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers? How is depression diagnosed? What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder, and which does my child have? How can I find the best mental health professional team for my child? What kinds of counseling and psychotherapy are available? Are medications safe, and how does a doctor choose a medication for my child? What can I do if my adolescent is using alcohol, crystal meth, marijuana, or other substances? How do autism and Asperger's syndrome, eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, ADHD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder interact with depression? What should I do if I sense that my child is in danger? With all of this going on, how can I take care of myself?

Until the early 1980s, there was no official diagnosis for depression in children. But children can, and do, become depressed. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health now estimates that 2.5 million youngsters under eighteen have experienced clinical depression--and the real number may be higher still. "Help Me, I'm Sad" discusses how to tell if your child is at risk; how to spot symptoms; depression's link with other problems and its impact on the family; teen suicide; finding the right diagnosis, therapist, and treatment; and what you can do to help. For parents who have—or suspect they may have—depressed children, here is practical, easy-to-understand information from a compassionate and trustworthy source.

A leading child and adolescent psychiatrist discusses the growing problem of teenage depression in America, offering helpful guidelines for parents on how to recognize the difference between normal teenage angst and true depression.

Grounded in decades of research and the clinical care of thousands of depressed and suicidal teens, this highly accessible book will enhance the skills of any therapist who works with this challenging population. The authors describe the nuts and bolts of assessing clients and crafting individualized treatment plans that combine cognitive and behavioral techniques, emotion regulation interventions, family involvement, and antidepressant medication. Illustrated with many clinical examples, each chapter includes a concise overview and key points. Reproducible treatment planning forms and client handouts can also be downloaded and printed by purchasers in a convenient full-page size.

Description: Depression and related illnesses threaten to wreck the lives of many teens and their families. Suicide driven by these illnesses is one of the top killers of these young people. How do teens become depressed? What does depression feel like? How can we identify it? What helps depressed teens? What hurts them? How do families cope with teen depression? In A Relentless Hope Gary Nelson uses his experience as a pastor and pastoral counselor to guide the reader through an exploration of these and many other questions about teen depression. Nelson has worked with many teens over the years offering help to those who find themselves confronted by this potentially devastating attacker. The author also uses the story of his own son's journey through depression to weave together insights into the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biological, and relational dimensions of teen depression. Through careful analysis, candid self-revelation, practical advice, and even humor, this pastor, counselor, and father reminds us that God's light of healing can shine through the darkness of depression and offer hope. A Relentless Hope is written for teens, parents, teachers, pastors, and any who walk with the afflicted through this valley of the shadow of death. Endorsements: ""Whether you are a youth struggling with depression, a family member of a depressed teen, or a pastor, counselor or teacher providing support and help in such circumstances, this book is a must read as the most informative and helpful volume available on the subject."" --Merle R. Jordan Professor of Pastoral Psychology Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology ""This story of a family is an incredible gift of honest reflection. So many families deal with the issue of teen depression. . . As the dean of a theological school I am aware of the numbers of youth that my students deal with who are in this book. Depression, self-medication with alcohol and drugs, self doubt and even considerations of suicide as an answer--all are in our communities and probably in even a small church. This book is about an attitude that avoids denial, attempts to keep a sense of humor, and believes in the miracle of life. Thank you, Tom, for allowing your story to be told."" --Maxine Clarke Beach, Vice President and Dean, Drew Theological School This is a story of amazing grace! I love the challenge Gary gave the reader throughout the book: ""Never give up on loving!"" I was reminded in a very tangible way of the limitless capacity of God who loves us the same way--He never stops! What an incredible mantra for all of us: ""Never give up on loving. . . . Never!"" I wonder how different our world would be if we practiced this command? --Rev. Dale Seley, Pastor Downtown Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia About the Contributor(s): Gary E. Nelson, DMin, is a United Methodist minister who for thirty years has worked with teens and their families as a local church pastor and as a pastoral counselor. He currently pastors a church in West Virginia.