Recurrent Mood Disorders

Book excerpt: Current evidence indicates that over two-thirds of mood disorders pursue a recurrent or chronic course. Yet much of the progress recorded in the field of mood disorders and their treatment has been in research into the acute phase of the illness. Hence there is a need for a volume that specifically addresses the special clinical problems encountered inthe recurrent forms of these disorders. The various chapters of this book embrace a wide range of topics, including etiology, course, and long-term treatment, integrative reviews, results of recent investigations, and clinical reports. In this respect, the contributions reflect currentconcepts, research, and clinical practice. We have endeavored to build a bridge between neurobiology and psychology and have covered both the psychotherapeutic and the psychopharmacologic aspects of mood disorders.