The Anxiety Book [Paperback]

Jonathan Davidson (Author), Henry Dreher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 3, 2004

Doctors are getting more requests nowadays for help with anxiety than they are for cold and flu. Now, one of the most respected experts on anxiety disorders delivers the definitive guide for self-assessment and treatment of the most common health concern in America.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jonathan R. Davidson, M.D., is a professor of psychiatry and Director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University Medical Center. His research includes studies on risk factors, herbal medicine, conventional pharmacology, and treatment outcomes for a wide range of anxiety disorders, with a special emphasis on social phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. He has written over 200 articles for major medical and scientific journals, and educates students, residents, and other mental health professionals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Trade (February 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157322376X
• ISBN-13: 978-1573223768
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,186,410 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.