Friday, July 25th, 2008

Treating Depression

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Depression's not just in your head. The condition is characterized by periods of weeks at a time of a persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness. Depressed people may find that they no longer get pleasure from or are interested in hobbies and activities that they once enjoyed. Over 20 million people in the United States are said to suffer from depression. In this segment, we'll talk about what the condition is and what can be done about it. Conventional therapies for depression involve medications and talk therapy, often used in combination. But is that approach the only way out of depression?

In his new book, "Unstuck," psychiatrist James Gordon says depression is not a disease, and that most people don't need drugs to feel better. In this segment, Ira talks with Gordon, and "Listening to Prozac" author psychiatrist Peter Kramer, about depression and its treatment, and when drugs might be needed. rn