Can traumatic life events cause depression? Studies generally point to a connection between adverse life events & depression. However, establishing a causal rather than associative connection, the key concern of this 2004 book, is more problematic. What neurobiological changes may be induced by stress & depression, & to what extent do these changes correspond? The authors structure their examination around three major themes: the pathophysiological role of stress in depression; whether or not a subtype of depression exists that is particularly stress-inducible; &, finally, how best to diagnose & treat depression in relation to its biological underpinnings.