This book reviews the different theories and models that seek to explain the causes of depression from different perspectives, from the molecular to the socio-cultural level. Depression is a complex psychopathological construct of high phenotypic heterogeneity, which must be understood as a phenomenon in which different explanatory levels interact with each other. However, very little is known about this interaction. The aim of this book is to provide clinical psychologists and psychiatrists a better knowledge of the interaction of different etiopathogenic levels, in order to help these professionals make better therapeutic decisions when treating depressed patients. Chapters in this volume review etiopathogenic theories and models of depression developed by different disciplines and fields of research, such as clinical psychology, psychiatry, genetics, neurobiology, psychophisiology, psychoneuroendocrinology and psychosocial studies, and examine certain conditions where the integrated consideration of different explanatory levels illuminates how depression originates and is maintained. In each chapter, authors critically review the state of the art in their field of expertise and explain the weak points of their own theories and their possible openness or connection to alternative theories or models. Etiopathogenic Theories and Models in Depression will be a valuable resource for clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professionals working with depressed patients, as well as to researchers investigating how depression originates and is maintained, presenting an integrated perspective of high translational value for clinical practice.

This book reviews the different theories and models that seek to explain the causes of depression from different perspectives, from the molecular to the socio-cultural level. Depression is a complex psychopathological construct of high phenotypic heterogeneity, which must be understood as a phenomenon in which different explanatory levels interact with each other. However, very little is known about this interaction. The aim of this book is to provide clinical psychologists and psychiatrists a better knowledge of the interaction of different etiopathogenic levels, in order to help these professionals make better therapeutic decisions when treating depressed patients. Chapters in this volume review etiopathogenic theories and models of depression developed by different disciplines and fields of research, such as clinical psychology, psychiatry, genetics, neurobiology, psychophisiology, psychoneuroendocrinology and psychosocial studies, and examine certain conditions where the integrated consideration of different explanatory levels illuminates how depression originates and is maintained. In each chapter, authors critically review the state of the art in their field of expertise and explain the weak points of their own theories and their possible openness or connection to alternative theories or models. Etiopathogenic Theories and Models in Depression will be a valuable resource for clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professionals working with depressed patients, as well as to researchers investigating how depression originates and is maintained, presenting an integrated perspective of high translational value for clinical practice.

Recent research indicates that depression, once believed to be relatively benign, is highly recurrent and does not respond well to treatment. The goal of this book is to facilitate the development of more encompassing theories and more effective treatments for this disabling disorder by fostering dialogue and enhancing the integration of work across the boundaries of separate fields.

In 1988, the Deparunent of Psychology at San Diego State University initiated the first in a planned conference series on Contemporary Issues in Clinical Psychology. It was decided that the focus of this first conference would be depression. Consequently, a number of distinguished scholars were invited to San Diego to discuss contemporary theoretical, empirical, and treatment issues in depressive disorders. This volume contains the results of this conference. Each chapter remains true to the original presentation, although each has been extensively reworked by the authors for inclusion in a book format, and in some cases co-authors have aided in revisions for the volume. Given the sheer quantity and impressive quality of contemporary research, it may not be possible to overstate the impact of psychological approaches on our understanding of depressive disorders. Accordingly, the aim of this conference was, within the limited amount of time available for such an endeavor, to chronicle the current status of the psychology of depression. In inviting participants to this forum, no attempt was made to reflect only certain theoretical views. Contemporary psychological theory and research in depression, however, are dominated by cognitive viewpoints, and the influence of cognitive perspectives is thus unmistakable throughout the present volume.

Our scientific approach to depression depends on the theoretical framework available for depression and its etiology, and on the tools we have to investigate brain function. The implication of this means that models of depression will change with time. This book brings together recent updates on the main themes of depression research, presented by active researchers. This book will be of immense value to researchers working in the field, as well as clinicians and trainees in understanding the rationale of new diagnostic and treatment approaches. Biologists, pharmacologists and physicians will also benefit from the data on current depression research.

This book analyses the clinical interaction between depression and personality dysfunction to help clinicians better understand and treat patients with complex depression. It proposes an innovative perspective to clinical work that moves away from a disorder-centered approach to a person-centered approach by analysing complex depression through the lens of functional domains related to personality functioning and applying Research Domain Criteria to diagnosis and treatment planning. By doing so, it aims to contribute to the development of precision psychotherapy by applying the principles of precision medicine to mental health care. The book is divided in two parts. Chapters in the first part review problems in five domains of personality dysfunction that drive complex depressive presentations – identity, affect regulation, self-other regulation, social dysfunction and self-criticism – and the neurobiological findings underlying them. In the second part, authors present integrative models of depression and personality dysfunction and their implications for diagnosis and treatment. Depression and Personality Dysfunction: An Integrative Functional Domains Perspective is a scientific and clinical guide for the understanding and treatment of patients with depression complicated by personality dysfunction. It will be a useful tool for clinicians looking for resources to develop a more person-centered and evidence-based approach to mental health care.

This book serves as a practical and comprehensive introduction to depression and its deep roots in trauma. Marianne Leuzinger-Bohleber looks at the heterogeneous and complex phenomenon of depression and considers a range of topics essential to those faced with the challenge posed by the illness. Throughout the chapters, Leuzinger-Bohleber looks at the central experience of powerlessness and helplessness, the impact of trauma and transgenerational transmission, as well as clinical research and medical intervention. Throughout, she reviews and explains up-to-date clinical research findings and guides the reader on how to apply these in a clinical setting across a wide range of aspects within the psychodynamic understanding of depression. Including a review of both classical psychoanalytic texts and state-of-the-art empirical research, this introductory book is an invaluable resource for psychoanalysts and psychotherapists in private practice and Public Health institutions alike. The clear and accessible style also make it a vital resource for students of clinical psychology, medicine, anthropology, cultural studies, the educational sciences, and beyond.