"Is depression a question of genetics, bad parental care, or distressing life events? This is the first book to present in accessible terms what scientists and psychiatrists know about the subject. Professor Wolpert looks at the possible causes, and at the two main ways of understanding depression - the biological and the psychological. He explores how various cultures experience depression in very different ways and assesses known treatments and cures (drugs, therapy, ECT).

Finally, he asks whether depression can be avoided altogether."--BOOK JACKET.