For treating depression, medication has become so popular yet over 25 million Americans remain depressed. So could these anti-depressants really be effective? Maybe not. Let’s not forget the side effects and withdrawal symptoms that come as a result of these depression drugs. You’ll be surprised at just how detrimental they actually are.

This glossary contains terms frequently used when referring to the mental health needs of children and adolescents. The list is alphabetical. Words in italics are defined separately within the glossary. Since the words service and services are used frequently throughout the glossary, it may be helpful to begin by reading the definition for service.

At first, Maggie's parents thought she was slacking off. After the Thanksgiving break, she couldn't concentrate in class, and after school all she wanted to do was sleep. Her grades began to drop, and she rarely felt like socializing anymore. They were upset with her, but figured it was just a phase — especially because her energy finally seemed to return in the spring.

One of the most difficult tasks for a parent whose child has been exposed to a traumatic event, natural disaster or a death is deciding whether or not additional help from a mental health professional is needed. Parents are generally well versed in the routine doctor visits for physical ailments such as the flu or ear infections, but are sometimes confused about obtaining mental health care.

Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help.

Depression is the most common mental health problem in the United States. Each year it affects 17 million people of all age groups, races, and economic backgrounds.

Women around the globe are resenting the day that their bodies will go through a transformation. When postpartum depression kicks in women often feel sluggish, unconnected to reality, and often undergo several other symptoms that include depression. Women that undergo postpartum depression (PPD) often go through bouts of crying uncontrollable and very seldom do they understand the cause. There thinking is often irrational and their emotions are often tangled. One minu...

Antidepressants are the most common psychoactive medications used in the college population and in the general population. They have been used effectively for a long time, but until the arrival of Prozac in 1987, they weren't nearly as popular because of the risks and side effects of the older antidepressants, called tricyclics. These include drugs such as Norpramin (desipramine), Elavil (amitriptilene), Sinequan (doxepin), and Tofranil (imipramine).

How many times have you finished reading a book with your child only to have him exclaim "Hey, that's just like me!" Assuming that your child doesn't think he's a talking aardvark or a skivvy-wearing superhero, he's probably talking about the situation in which the character found himself. Or, more accurately, the problem that the character had to solve. This is the basis of developmental bibliotherapy.

Sam, 8 years old, constantly worries about being contaminated by other people's germs. As a result he won't touch doorknobs in school and insists on wearing gloves. Would it be helpful to make him touch doorknobs?