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U.VA. PSYCHIATRIST CO-AUTHORS BOOK ON INTIMACY AND DEPRESSION

Just when you need the most support from your loved ones, you may feel like withdrawing from them. That's often the case with people who have depression, according to a new book co-authored by Dr. Anita Clayton, associate professor and vice chairman of psychiatry at the University of Virginia.

As many as 20 million adults in the United States suffer from depression, Dr. Clayton said. 'Restoring Intimacy' is meant to help them maintain close relationships with their families and friends just when it is hardest to do so. Withdrawal tendencies often occur with depression, and can cause people to alienate loved ones when they need those relationships most.

She is among several nationally known mental health professionals who contributed to Restoring Intimacy: The Patient's Guide to Maintaining Relationships During Depression, published this month by the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association. Co-authors include Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of MTV's Loveline, and other leading mental health practitioners.

Restoring Intimacy addresses depression-related issues such as how to recognize depression in a loved one and how to cope with side effects of antidepressant medications like decreased sexual drive. It also suggests coping strategies, for example, how to talk with a doctor about depression-related intimacy problems. The book contains a resource guide for additional information and support.

Dr. Clayton specializes in depression and anxiety related to women's health conditions, especially menopause and premenstrual symptoms. Currently, she is principal investigator for several U.Va. studies on how antidepressant drugs affect sexual functioning, and their effectiveness in treating anxiety and major depression.

Restoring Intimacy is available in paperback at major book stores or by contacting the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association at 1-800-826-3632 or by visiting the organization's Internet site, www.ndmda.org.

October 26, 1999