The tomes, along with similar materials like instructional videos and online forums, can serve as “low intensity inteventions” the research suggests. Until this latest study, experts assumed that such interventions couldn’t benefit seriously depressed patients, says lead study author Peter Bower, PhD, a health science professor at the University of Manchester. “Our data would suggest that even quite severely ill patients do show benefits,” he says. To arrive at this conclusion, Bower and a team of researchers culled individual patient data from 2,470 people suffering from varying levels of depression. From there, they evaluated the interventions sought by each patient and whether or not that patient saw any benefits. The result? Even low-intensity interventions, like self-help books, offered some relief to seriously depressed people. Of course, that’s not to say that self-help materials can “cure” depression. “[Severely ill patients] can benefit from these treatments under the care of a professional, but we would still argue it’s a clinical judgment,” Bower says. “Health professionals need to assess if the patient is likely to benefit.” But the study does breathe new life into the culture of self-help, and what it can do for those in need. “It’s great to see this recommended for severe depression as well as less severe forms,” says Prevention advisor Andrew Weil, MD, the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. In fact, Dr Weil’s latest book, Spontaneous Happiness, explores just that and offers additional resources for patients to take advantage of. So if you’re primed to raid your local bookstore, consider picking up one (or all!) of these self-help titles, as suggested by Dr. Weil:
Dealing with Depression Naturally: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Restoring Emotional Health by Syd BaumelThe Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anixety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems—and Feel Good Again by Jack ChallemThe Mantram Handbook: A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Mantram and Calming Your Mind by Eknath EaswaranThe Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt
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