Beyond Depression: A New Approach to Understanding and Management (Oxford Medical Publications)

I've put 'depression' in quotation marks because Professor Dowrick unpicks and remodels our understanding of the whole subject like a master sculptor correcting a fault in his pupil's clay and by the time you've finished reading this book you'll know exactly what he means.'I have argued that the concept of depression as a medical condition has less validity and utility than is commonly supposed and that the reasons for its popularity may have more to do with commercial, professional and organisational interests, and with our value systems, than with any intrinsic scientific worth it might possess... I would like to suggest a way of prescribing a sense of purpose in place of paroxetine and supplanting venlafaxine with a new system of values.'

His thesis is simple but deep and it is a pleasure to read an author who can illustrate his point by effortlessly crossing academic borders, weaving anthropology, linguistics, literature and philosphy into the emotionally arid foundations of medical research. He redresses the imbalance between 'the emphasis on measurable skills in modern medical education and clinical practice' and 'the importance of linguistic, empathic and interpretive skills' by using narrative and touching case studies, for example '...it is a question of whether it is more valuable to see Bernie as a patient with a dual diagnosis of depressive disorder and alcohol dependence, or as an emerging poet and aspiring local politician'.

This is a luschious buttered crumpet of a book to be savoured and thoroughly enjoyed by the therapeutically challenged. I would recommend it to everyone and already have a waiting list of people who want to read it after me but they'll have to wait -I'm on my second read and have a sneaking suspicion that I might indulge in a greedy third helping. It's simply delicious.

As well as practical advice this book contains a history of depression and its management. With it's references to literature, history and philosophy the book is a diverse and interesting read.

I have recommended this book to colleagues in general practice and to GP registrars. It would also be relevant reading for anyone involved in the management or care of people with depression. There are sections of the book that would be interesting for some patients and their carers.