E. Siobhan Mitchell

This series aims to give “straightforward explanations of how an individual drug or group of drugs works in both therapeutic and non-therapeutic conditions,... historical information about the use and abuse of specific drugs ... [and] an ample list of further reading.”

This book covers basic neuroanatomy and neurochemistry, depression (the experience and the neurochemical basis), and some of the political and social issues around depression and antidepressants, especially with respect to teens.

This is a topic I know quite a bit about, and was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy, currency and good detail of the science. It mentioned the fairly recent research into the growth of new neurons in the brain, and both “Listening to Prozac” and its backlash. Even-handed and valuable for a more scientific approach. Teens wondering about the experience of depression or of taking antidepressants will want to look elsewhere, but the science and the “facts” are all here. Excellent illustrations of the chemistry, and a strong bibliography and index only enhance its usefulness.… (mehr)