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I'm including a list of reading resources that I picked up from my local Mental Health Clinic. I hope they can be of use to you.

• Understanding Depression:A Complete Guide to its Diagnosis and Treatment. Klein, Donald F., M.D., and Wender, Paul H., M.D. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993. In this update of Do You Have a Depressive Illness?, the authors use self-screening tests and case studies to define clearly and illustrate various depressive illnesses. This is not a self-help book per se, but should be used as a guide for those who wonder if they have a depressive illness. Also included is a short review of some antidepressent medications, as wel as how- and from whom- to get proper treatment.

• Depression and It's Treatment, Griest, John H., M.D., New York: Warner Books, 1984 (revised 1992). A short, inexpensive paperback which provides good basic information about both depression and manic-depressive illness and treatents for both. In the appendix are extensive excerpts from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised(DSMIII-R), a basic document used by the medical profession.

• How To Cope Wit Depression, DePaulo, J., Raymond Jr., M.D., and Ablow, Keith Russell, M.D., New York: Ballantine Books, 1989. More than a "How to" book, it discusses signs of illness, includes personal accounts, and explains causes and treatments of mood disorders. It also considers depression from the perspectives of disease, personality, behaviour, and life history. Unusually clear, eloquent, optimistic presentation for lay readers; includes an extensive biography.

• Depression: The Mood Disease, Mondimore, Francis Mark, M.D., Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1990 (revised 1993) Dr. Mondifore focuses his book on scientific knowledge about mood disorders and makes the technical information easily understood by the reader. He illustrates the difficulty and importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment with a refreshing bit of realism.

• Overcoming Depression, Papolos, Demitri F., M.D., and Papolos, Janice. New York: Harper Collins, revised edition 1992. A comprehensive book on both depression and manic depressive illness, it includes extensive material about hospitalization, a discussion 18 different neurological/biological research approaches to causative factors, a discusson of recent research on maintenance dosages and combining medications, and a new chapter on charting of mood disorders.

• Manic-Depressive Illness, Goodwin, Frederick K., and Jamison, Kay Redfield, Ph.D., New York: Oxford University Press, 1990 A comprehensive review and integration of the literature on mood disorders, enlivened by patients' own descriptions. A unique and authoritative resource for mental health professionals and good browsing for lay readers.

• A Brilliant Madness: Living With Manic-Depressive Illness, Duke, Patty, and Hochman, Gloria. New York: Bantam Books, 1992. Ms. Duke's new insights and frank descriptions of the effect of manic-depressive illness on her life, supplemented by chapters of relevant medical information by co-author Hochman, provide a very readable and helpful book.

• We Heard the Angels of Madness: One Family's Struggle with Manic Depression., Berger, Diane and Lisa. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc., 1991 The authors' powerful narrative describing their family's experience is interspersed with useful chapters about the illness and how to work with mental health professionals.

• Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperment, Jamison, Kay Redfield, Ph.D., New York: The Free Press, 1993. An exquisite presentation on the link between creativity and destructive energy in celebrated artists, featuring their own eloquent writings and also covering the biochemical and genetic elements of the illness.

• You Mean I Don't Have to Feel This Way?, Dowling, Colette. New York: Bantam Books, 1993 A highly readablebook focusing on the biochemical causes, treatments, and interrelationships of depressive illness, eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, alcoholism, and addictions.

• Darkness Visible, Styron, William. New York: Random House, 1990 An acclaimed author gives an exceptionally vivid description of how he felt during a severe depression.

• Is Your Child Depressed?, Herskowitz, Joel, M.D., New York: Pharos Books, 1988. A pediatric neurologist provides helpful information on depression in children, including discussions of related problems of anxiety disorders, hyperactivity, and attention-deficit disorders.

• Winter Blues: Seasonal Affetive Disorder: What It Is and How to Overcome It, Rosenthal, Norman E., M.D., New York: Guilford Press, 1993 Dr. Rosenthal, pioneering researcher on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), updates and expands upon his highly acclaimed Seasons of the Mind- a veritable survivor's kit for anyone who suffers from the "winter blues." It covers light treatment, medication, diet and exercise.

• Stronger Than Death: When Suicide Touches Your Life, Chance, Sue, M.D., New York: Norton & Company, 1992 This small, very well-written book is Sue Chance's personal account of the aftermath of her son's suicide. Includes a section on resources, symptoms of major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Prozac: Questions and Answers for Patients, Family, and Physicians, Fieve, Ronald R., M.D., New York: Avon Books, 1994. A pioneer in lithium treatment and author of the very popular book Moodswing, Dr. Fieve provides a straightforward and comprehensive coverage of Prozac and other medication ised in the treatment of mood disorders. The book is informative and easy to read and understand.