Out of the Blue Depression & Human

In this somewhat academic yet accessible study, psychologist Cohen ( Sleep and Dreams ) probes the inner forces that shape our lives and creative powers but can cause occasional blues or chronic depressive illness as well. He cites cases of ``bipolar'' patients who alternate between states of depression and manic euphoria, often masking their true feelings with deceptive expressions or a ``happy'' activity. The author asserts that if ignored, such disorders, especially if aggravated by feelings of hopelessness, can lead to suicide. Enriching the text with examples from history (famous suicides, depression-prone Lincoln) and literary allusions, Cohen concludes that genes play a greater role than environment in affecting mental health, and that cure--with or without professional help--lies in self-knowledge. Photos not seen by PW . (June)