What is depression? What is bipolar disorder? How are they diagnosed and how are they treated? Can/should a small child be diagnosed with depression and treated with antidepressants?Covering both depression and bipolar disorder, this Very Short Introducton will begin by giving a brief account of the history of these concepts and will then focus on the descriptions and understanding of these disorders. It will look at the introduction of modern treatments, recounting the stories behind the development and introduction of antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Symptoms and signs will be covered, as will the association between physical disorders and depression.It will explore the importance of depression and bipolar disorder in society, and will include a section on creativity and mood disorders. The book will also cover models of both disorders, and will conclude by discussing treatments and the future.