The Depression Code: Deciphering the Purposes of Neurotic Depression focuses on one specific depressive diagnosis: Dysthymic Disorder. Its symptoms can include fatigue, persistent sadness, marked increases or decreases in appetite, an inability to sleep (or remain asleep), oversleeping, reduced ability to concentrate, indecisiveness, and despondency. These symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause significant distress and/or impair functioning in one or more areas of life. Talk therapy as well as pharmacological interventions may address symptoms by searching for and treating the perceived cause. Indeed, depression is often comprehended as something that happens to individuals. However, this text poses an intriguing question: Could depressive symptoms also be a coping mechanism and means of achieving future goals, rather than merely the aftereffect of some bio-chemical, genetic, psychological, or social cause? This concept somewhat parallels how painful and potentially embarrassing physical symptoms (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, infection responses) can ultimately protect the body. Rather than being a self-help book or treatment manual, this text provides an in-depth, graduate-level discussion that's accessible to advanced readers with an interest in psychology. It emphasizes individual choice, social functioning, and psychological underpinnings in comprehending symptom development and persistence. It excitedly explores the various ways in which symptoms can be employed to safeguard self-esteem, acceptance, status, and lifestyle.