Depression: Frontiers and Causality

Depression is a multi-faceted disorder with symptom clusters that are highly variable between individuals. Despite efforts utilizing neuroscientific and genetic techniques in research to determine its etiology, practical clinical settings still rely on traditional verbal consultation method to devise treatment for the depressed. Nevertheless, there is a growing need for a more thorough understanding and prioritisation of the multi-faceted causes of a multi-faceted disorder in order to improve treatment strategies and better the lives of those afflicted. The content of this book argues for the realisation of such a need and points out the current areas of insufficiency in discrete research practices and clinical intervention in addressing it. Depression is a leading cause of disability in many developed nations and with rapid globalization, incidence rates in the developing world are fast catching up. It is hoped that with a fuller understanding of its causes and misperceptions surrounding their significance, we could devise better treatment intervention that yields more positive results in the long-term.