This final part of the book explores two primary forms of professional treatment for mood problems: psychotherapy and psychiatric medication treatments. If you are experiencing very significant problems with anxiety or depression, the good news is that treatments are generally very successful. It is important to be an informed “consumer” and to know the pros and cons of professional treatment. It is also important to know as much as you can about any psychiatric medication that might be recommended or prescribed.

Keep in mind that the focus of this part is on common depression and anxiety disorders and does not address the treatment of serious mental illnesses, which is beyond the scope of this book.