When Words Are Not Enough: The Women's Prescription for Depression and Anxiety

by Valerie Davis Raskin

One in four women will experience clinical depression, anxiety, or premenstrual depression in her lifetime. The good news is that popular new prescription drugs like  Prozac and Xanax bring much needed relief. The bad news is that many physicians and therapists are unaware of common issues for women. As medical treatment for depression and anxiety has become simpler, more and more general practitioners are prescribing antidepressants, often with little background in the nonmedical alternatives or complex mind-body interactions.



Emphasizing women's family roles as well as their unique biological/hormonal sensitivities, Dr. Raskin explains contemporary integrated treatment options. Raskin pays special attention to how birth control, menstrual cycles, childbearing, and menopause impact treatment choices. Raskin empowers women to take an active approach in dealing with common side effects, including weight gain and diminished sexual responsiveness. Using revealing case studies, Raskin offers a wealth of hands-on advice.



At a time when trends in health care have led to less personalized contact between doctor and patient, When Words Are Not Enough provides the facts and reassurance women need to be in control of their own health.

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 1997

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really really great book for women who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression (OCD, bipolar, etc) who are finding that therapy may just not be enough and they could benefit by making the leap to taking medication. The only reason I could not give this book 5 stars was because it was out of date as far as the medications usually used, and I looked to see if there was a newer edition and there isn't. BUT still good info as far as describing the disorders, and how to work through the emotions of making the decision to try medication or alternative medicines. It would also be good for helping professions who work with women in therapy to help them explore and process this.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was shocked when this woman who had never met me perfectly described the sleeping trouble of my depression. I had not realized how classic my depression was until I read this book. This discovery told me that I am not alone and that anti-depressants would probably work for me. They did work for me too.
Thanks for the wonderfully informative book.