Depression is a major cause of morbidity throughout the world. Given that
between 8 and 12% of the population (in most countries) will suffer from
depression at some point in their lives, it is clearly a significant public
health problem. As our knowledge of this illness has expanded in recent years,
it has become clear that depression can no longer be viewed as a simple disorder
of the brain. It has to be seen as a series of behavioural and biological
changes that span mind, brain, genes, and body--indeed, affecting both
psychological and physical health.
This book brings together world leaders in research on depression to