Depression is very common in chronic medical illness, hindering recovery, increasing functional impairment, contributing to the costs of treating disease, and worsening prognosis. In addition, symptoms of depression are often indistinguishable from symptoms of co-occurring illnesses. It is imperative that clinicians acquire a more precise understanding of how depression and other chronic medical conditions impact each other, and how the treatments for each may influence the other.

This book describes the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of comorbid depression and bipolar disorder with specific illnesses. It informs physicians about what patients need for optimum outcomes, and gives practical ideas on communicating with patients and instilling hope.

This wealth of practical information on treating mood disorders and comorbid physical illness over the long term and avoiding relapses can be immediately utilized to enrich patient care.

This is the first step-by-step mood disorder guidebook designed specifically for physician use:

• Helps physicians detect, diagnose, and treat depression and bipolar disorders in a concise, results-oriented way. Also helps physicians understand the issues and concerns of their patients for more effective and patient-centered care.

• Provides a clinically rigorous method for quickly and accurately linking symptoms to each disorder.

• Offers clear, up-to-date information on psychotropic drugs--with definitive instructions on the use of these antidepressants and mood stabilizers in the treatment of disorders, including dosage guidelines.

• Covers mood disorders as primary illnesses.

• Focuses also on how mood disorders affect the diagnosis, treatment, and course of specific medical illnesses.