The Anxiety Book [Hardcover]

Jonathan Davidson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2003

Sleeplessness, irritability, muscle tension, trouble concentrating, nightmares, fear of attention, difficulty relaxing, dizziness, hyper-vigilance, trembling, racing heart, cold sweats, numbing emotion. If you experience even one of these symptoms, you are probably one of the millions who suffer from anxiety. One in five people has it, but most do their best to cope in debilitating silence or become dependent on strong medications to take the edge off their pain.

The Anxiety Book is a comprehensive resource for defeating anxiety and building resilience. Dr. Davidson includes:

€ questionnaires to help you find out which type of anxiety you have
€ information on the most effective treatments for each form of anxiety-from cognitive techniques to state-of-the-art medication
€ a five-point plan for recovery through relaxation, changing the way you think, diet, exercise, and herbs and medications
€ case studies from Dr. Davidson's extensive research and medical practice
€ a comprehensive medication chart to inform the reader of efficacy, dosage, and side effects of the most commonly used drugs, as well as those that have barely hit the market.

Backed by peer-reviewed research and twenty-five years of clinical experience, Dr. Davidson brings solid methods and reassuring advice to the millions who suffer in silence.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Davidson (Herbs for the Mind), director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University Medical Center, with the assistance of science writer Dreher, has produced a valuable tool for dealing with anxiety, a condition that strikes 20 million Americans and may seriously impair their daily functioning. The authors divide chronic anxiety into five major categories: generalized anxiety, social phobia, posttraumatic stress, panic, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Informed coverage of each category is provided, including symptoms, manifestations and self-assessment tests that help readers identify which type of anxiety is troubling them. Davidson has treated anxiety disorders for decades and draws on patient histories and research to offer treatment options. For example, if someone is unduly frightened of public speaking, he suggests exposure therapy, such as deliberately agreeing to do a presentation at work. Other strategies include developing serenity skills by meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, pursuing a healthy diet and exercise program and taking medications. There is a comprehensive section on the use of herbal remedies. Davidson sets a positive and compassionate tone throughout the text and is convinced, based on clinical evidence, that it is possible to subdue unhealthy anxiety and become an emotionally stronger person after engaging in one or more treatment programs. This is an excellent self-help resource.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jonathan R. Davidson, M.D., is a professor of psychiatry and the director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University Medical Center. He has received awards from the American Psychiatric Association, the American psychopathological Association, and the American Medical Association for his contributions to psychiatry, as well as a National Institutes of Health grant for a groundbreaking study of herbs.

Henry Dreher is a veteran science writer who has coauthored numerous articles and books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover (March 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573222372
• ISBN-13: 978-1573222372
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #986,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Help I've Been Seeking, March 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Anxiety Book (Hardcover)

This book helped me identify my anxiety problem (only recently I realized that I have an anxiety disorder) and already I feel better just having read it. It's an unbelievably anxious time and this is clearly making my anxiety worse, and this book provides the clearest road map to treatments, including medications and cognitive therapy and relaxation methods. I have really enjoyed reading it--my anxiety levels dropped just from hearing stories of people who licked their anxiety problem. It's clear and comforting--I couldn't recommend it more highly.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS FRIEND I KNOW HAS A PROBLEM..., September 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Anxiety Book (Hardcover)

I'd like to say that I sat down and discussed this one with a friend but then you would really know that I was the one with the anxiety problem. Actually my wife bought this book in order to understand me better but I read it first and found that is was just what the doctor ordered.

The book offers some valuable statistics. For those of us with anxiety it is priceless to know that we are not alone. Anxiety by nature invites the sufferer to believe that he or she alone is suffering while, in truth there are millions.

The book defines the various types of conditions and offers a plethora of applicable solutions including meditation, relaxation, diet and exercise. Dr. Davidson also discusses medications, whether pharmaceuticals or natural treatments, ways that was easy to understand.

I feel like this book gave me a toolkit to help address my situation and move toward greater strength and confidence. I can help you to if you are willing to admit to yourself that you are ready to take the first step.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for those with anxiety disorder!, September 23, 2003

By 

Christiana Washington (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Anxiety Book (Hardcover)

As an anxiety-disordered individual, I can highly recommend this book. It is a bit lengthy but worth the time and money. Read it and be encouraged, comforted, and strengthened.