Depression is a broad term that covers a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from mild despondency to major depressive disorder. It is one of the most common of all medical conditions, yet also one of the most difficult to recognise. There are many effective treatments from evidence-based psychotherapies to antidepressant medications and non-invasive somatic treatments. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library this concise pocketbook outlines the best principles of care for depression, looking at early recognition, careful assessment and the selection of appropriate treatments. Demonstrating the clinical features and possible causes of clinical depression this pocketbook looks at the current treatment strategies and addresses the diagnostic and treatment issues that clinicians frequently encounter. Using relevant evidence and practical guidance the authors have tried to simplify and aid the management of a very complex disorder.

Raymond Lam's profile page

Hiram Mok's profile page

Dr Raymond Lam's research examines clinical and neurobiological factors in seasonal, atypical and difficult-to-treat depression, biological effects of light, clinical psychopharmacology, clinical guidelines and treatments programmes for depression. He has published over 230 scientific articles and book chapters, and edited or authored four books on depression. Dr Lam also sits on the Editorial Boards of BMC Psychiatry, Chronobiology International and the Cochrane Collaboration, and reviews for numerous journals and funding agencies.