The Depths

The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Pathological Psychology, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution, Emotions
Cover of the book The Depths by Jonathan Rottenberg, Basic Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jonathan Rottenberg ISBN: 9780465069736
Publisher: Basic Books Publication: February 11, 2014
Imprint: Basic Books Language: English
Author: Jonathan Rottenberg
ISBN: 9780465069736
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication: February 11, 2014
Imprint: Basic Books
Language: English

Nearly every depressed person is assured by doctors, well-meaning friends and family, the media, and ubiquitous advertisements that the underlying problem is a chemical imbalance. Such a simple defect should be fixable, yet despite all of the resources that have been devoted to finding a pharmacological solution, depression remains stubbornly widespread. Why are we losing this fight?

In this humane and illuminating challenge to defect models of depression, psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg argues that depression is a particularly severe outgrowth of our natural capacity for emotion. In other words, it is a low mood gone haywire. Drawing on recent developments in the science of mood-and his own harrowing depressive experience as a young adult-Rottenberg explains depression in evolutionary terms, showing how its dark pull arises from adaptations that evolved to help our ancestors ensure their survival. Moods, high and low, evolved to compel us to more efficiently pursue rewards. While this worked for our ancestors, our modern environment-in which daily survival is no longer a sole focus-makes it all too easy for low mood to slide into severe, long-lasting depression.

Weaving together experimental and epidemiological research, clinical observations, and the voices of individuals who have struggled with depression, The Depths offers a bold new account of why depression endures-and makes a strong case for de-stigmatizing this increasingly common condition. In so doing, Rottenberg offers hope in the form of his own and other patients' recovery, and points the way towards new paths for treatment.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nearly every depressed person is assured by doctors, well-meaning friends and family, the media, and ubiquitous advertisements that the underlying problem is a chemical imbalance. Such a simple defect should be fixable, yet despite all of the resources that have been devoted to finding a pharmacological solution, depression remains stubbornly widespread. Why are we losing this fight?

In this humane and illuminating challenge to defect models of depression, psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg argues that depression is a particularly severe outgrowth of our natural capacity for emotion. In other words, it is a low mood gone haywire. Drawing on recent developments in the science of mood-and his own harrowing depressive experience as a young adult-Rottenberg explains depression in evolutionary terms, showing how its dark pull arises from adaptations that evolved to help our ancestors ensure their survival. Moods, high and low, evolved to compel us to more efficiently pursue rewards. While this worked for our ancestors, our modern environment-in which daily survival is no longer a sole focus-makes it all too easy for low mood to slide into severe, long-lasting depression.

Weaving together experimental and epidemiological research, clinical observations, and the voices of individuals who have struggled with depression, The Depths offers a bold new account of why depression endures-and makes a strong case for de-stigmatizing this increasingly common condition. In so doing, Rottenberg offers hope in the form of his own and other patients' recovery, and points the way towards new paths for treatment.

More books from Basic Books

Cover of the book Sovereignty by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book A Mended and Broken Heart by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book Advice and Dissent by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book The Book of Why by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book The Drama of the Gifted Child by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book Wealth, Poverty and Politics by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book A Brilliant Darkness by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book Grass Roots by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book Captains Of Consciousness Advertising And The Social Roots Of The Consumer Culture by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book The Clock Of The Long Now by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book The Blood Bankers by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book T.R. by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book Women Behind Bars by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book How to Bake Pi by Jonathan Rottenberg
Cover of the book Travels To The Nanoworld by Jonathan Rottenberg
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy