Charting the Depths

Reflections on the Science of Depression

Jonathan Rottenberg is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of South Florida, where he directs the Mood and Emotion Laboratory. See full bio

Charting the Depths

February 4, 2010

A blistering, rambling, entertaining attack on the biomedical disease model of depression

How did we get to this point, this point in our history where it is common, if not mandatory, to think of our unhappiness as a disease? That's the big question in Manufacturing Depression: The Secret History of a Modern Disease. Gary Greenberg has written a blistering, rambling and entertaining attack on the biomedical disease model of depression. Read More

January 31, 2010

Botox Treatment Slows Perception of Negative Emotions

Our smiles broadcast, hey world, I am pleased. Our frowns say, don't mess with me.

What about the other way around? Do we use our facial muscles to read emotion in the world?

Our default assumption is that our eyes and our brains are the organs dedicated to processing emotional information. Read More

January 22, 2010

Wii and Ennui: Media Use and Child Mental Health

US kids spend almost eight hours a day surfing the web, watching TV, playing video games or using their mobile devices, according to a new report issued Wednesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Read More

January 5, 2010

Depression treatment: We need better not simply more

According to a study published today in the Archives of General Psychiatry only half of all people with depression received treatment. And among those who did receive treatment, only 21% were getting care that is consistent with American Psychiatric Association guidelines. Read More

January 4, 2010

The Women's Health Initiative Study: A Firebell in the Night?

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine finds that women who reported taking an antidepressant drug had increased risk for stroke as well as increased risk for death relative to women not taking antidepressants. Read More

December 26, 2009

Why Justin Duchscherer is a Hero

Today I read the news that the Oakland A's decided to resign pitcher Justin Duchscherer. I don't root for the A's, or even like baseball, but boy did this story made me feel hopeful. Read More

December 23, 2009

Physical Pain and Emotional Pain: More Similar Than You Think

New research led by psychologist C. Nathan DeWall of the University of Kentucky and reported in the journal Psychological Science suggests that physical pain and emotional pain may be more similar than you think. Read More

December 22, 2009

State Happiness Rankings Reveal Americans' Happiness Insecurity

New data reveal that Louisiana, Hawaii, and Florida are the happiest states whereas Michigan, Connecticut, and New York are the most miserable. Read More

November 11, 2009

The Tragic Consequences of Depression Stigma

Yesterday, Robert Enke, 32, and a goalkeeper on Germany's national soccer team, committed suicide by stepping in front of a train in Hanover, Germany. Read More

November 1, 2009

The continuing stigma of depression

Part of the mission of patient advocacy groups is to reduce the stigma associated with depression. This is noble and important work because historically people who have suffered from depression have tended to suffer in silence and/or not sought treatment because of the shame associated with admitting depression. Read More

Books by Jonathan Rottenberg, Ph.D.

Emotion and Psychopathology: Bridging Affective and Clinical Science

Depression Basics

Some 15 million Americans struggle with depression—an illness that comes in many forms—from major depression and seasonal affective disorder, to dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

Go to the Depression Basics page for more on Depression including:

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Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences

How early life experiences shape our character.

Charting the Depths

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Books by Jonathan Rottenberg, Ph.D.

Depression Basics

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