Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Explores the current state of knowledge in the field of depression, which points to the powerful influence of genetics on mental life and behaviour. While focusing mainly on depressive illness, the book also considers related topics such as circadian rhythms, delusional thinking and self concepts.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Cohen (psychology, Univ. of Texas-Austin) tackles depression and the age-old question of heritability vs. environment. At any time in the United States, depression affects one in 20 people; suicide is the country's eighth leading cause of death, roughly translating to one percent of the population, even with underreporting. Cohen discusses environmental problems like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), circadian rhythms, and depression's relationship to binge eating, anorexia, and smoking. He shows that tests to measure depression are inaccurate at best, but thanks to the creativity, intellect, and intuitiveness of ``science-mindedness,'' continued theorizing is possible. Exploring the literary, scientific, and philosophical meanings of depression, Cohen fairly presents both sides of the heritability-environment debate. Recommended for academic and medical libraries.-Lisa Wise, Univ. of Southern Colorado, Pueblo (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

In this somewhat academic yet accessible study, psychologist Cohen ( Sleep and Dreams ) probes the inner forces that shape our lives and creative powers but can cause occasional blues or chronic depressive illness as well. He cites cases of ``bipolar'' patients who alternate between states of depression and manic euphoria, often masking their true feelings with deceptive expressions or a ``happy'' activity. The author asserts that if ignored, such disorders, especially if aggravated by feelings of hopelessness, can lead to suicide. Enriching the text with examples from history (famous suicides, depression-prone Lincoln) and literary allusions, Cohen concludes that genes play a greater role than environment in affecting mental health, and that cure--with or without professional help--lies in self-knowledge. Photos not seen by PW . (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

In summarizing twin studies and concordance rates of depression between adoptees and their biological parents/siblings and their adoptive parents/siblings, strong arguments are made for heritable components as the major determinants of mental illness. Thus, it is suggested that abused children may become abusive parents not because they suffered an abusive childhood but rather because they inherited a genetically abusive makeup. Similarly, depression in offspring following an early death of a parent by suicide may be merely a different expression of a common genetic liability rather than the consequence of childhood bereavement. Although environmental factors appear to be negligible, Cohen notes that those suffering from personality disorders may aggravate latent affective disorders by creating a depressing environment and alienating others. He also believes that nonsocial environmental influ~ences, such as adverse fetal location or abnormal physiological connections in the womb, may be factors in some instances of twin nonconcordance. ~--Brenda Grazis