HOW SADNESS SURVIVED
the evolutionary basis of depression
2008194 pages Paperback
ISBN-10 1 84619 013 4
ISBN-13 9781846190131
Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist and Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London
Description
Is depression a disease, a medical disorder suffered by humans for millennia, or is it a modern western malaise? Actually, neither perspective is helpful in trying to get to grips with this uniquely disabling but intriguing state of mind. The truth is that depression is multifaceted: it can lead to great insights and achievements, as well as great tragedies.
This book is a critical overview of ideas about depression, some new, some old, which fall under the discipline of ‘evolutionary psychology’. Why should a condition causing so much pain and disability occur so commonly? Rather than being a defect, is depression a part of what it means to be human? Do most types of depression represent an adaptation – an evolved mechanism which improved the survival and reproductive value of humans in our ancestral environment? Has depression been selected? Could it still be useful to us today?
How Sadness Survived spans philosophy, history, anthropology, psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and ethology. Its positive, controversial and intriguing assertion is that depression may confer long-term benefits to the sufferer. Its conclusions have important implications for how we should prevent or treat an increasingly common condition, and how we might view the condition in a more constructive way.
For more information about the author, please visit: http://drkeedwell.com/
To see a copy of the press release please click here
‘What I am offering is a critical overview of ideas about depression, some new, some old, which fall under the discipline of ‘evolutionary psychology’(EP). Do most types of depression represent an adaptation - an evolved mechanism which has improved our survival and reproductive value in our ancestral environment? Has depression been selected? Could it still be useful to us today? This book makes a contribution to the field while communicating the issues to a wider audience than EP currently receives and deserves. There are important implications for how we should prevent or treat an increasingly common condition, and how we might view the condition in a more constructive way.’
Paul Keedwell, in the Preface
Review Quotes ‘I certainly found Paul Keedwell’s arguments for his case very stimulating and a lot of what he says fits with my clinical experience. So do read his book. And if you are feeling depressed, take heart.’ EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY CARE
'Great insights.' BELLA
'A well researched book that presents a strong case for depression being understood as potentially beneficial for psychological growth. Particularly helpful to those working in medical environments.' THERAPY TODAY
'Looks at how sufferers may experience long-term beneficial effects from this debilitating disease. Recommended.' CHOICE
 Genes, disease and depression: busting myths Some important assumptions about depression The war of depression: an ancient human condition or a modern malaise? Living on a boat Why weepest thou? Is depression universal? Depression’s place in the animal kingdom Adaptation or fluff? What has depression ever done for us? Putting on the brakes Taking stock (the vision quest) Beneficial by-products Treating depression: new perspectives The loss of depression’s adaptive power? Should we treat depression?
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