ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the recognition, assessment and management of low mood and considers the case of a 47-year-old woman. Just as psychotic problems are becoming the 'bread and butter' of the specialist services, low mood problems are becoming the 'bread and butter' of primary care. 'Depressed mood is associated with a particular pattern within the brain chemical messenger system. Light deprivation can be seen as the main cause of winter depression. The circadian rhythms of people with winter depression are seen as phase delayed with late onset of melatonin secretion, a pattern that can be corrected with morning light. Light therapy prior to the onset of symptoms might prevent a winter episode of depression. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale has been developed as a screening tool for the detection of postnatal depression, and validated for use, particularly at six to eight weeks postpartum.
