Panic Disorder: A Critical Analysis [Hardcover]

Richard J. McNally. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0898622638 | ISBN-13: 978-0898622638 | Edition: 1

In recent years, panic disorder has become one of the most researched syndromes in psychopathology. It has also been a topic of intense controversy, with sharp disagreements along disciplinary lines among biological psychiatrists, behavioral psychologists, and epidemiologists concerning its syndromal validity, epidemiology, etiology, and treatment. Filling the need for a balanced, in-depth analysis of the most current research and theory on all aspects of the syndrome, this unique volume provides a comprehensive, integrative exploration of panic disorder.

Maintaining throughout that panic disorder is a psychobiological syndrome characterized by dysfunction at the cognitive as well as the physiological level, the book begins with a discussion of the phenomenology of the disorder that covers:
* Origins of the panic disorder concept
* The evolution of panic disorder in DSM-III, DSM-III-R, and
DSM-IV
* Qualitative distinctions between panic, anxiety, and fear
* Alternative subtyping schemes
* Variants of panic
* Direct assessment

Extensive reviews of the epidemiology, biological aspects, and psychopharmacologic treatments are presented in subsequent chapters, followed by detailed explorations of psychological aspects, including predictability and controllability, and psychological treatments, including cognitive-behavioral techniques. A thorough discussion of the syndromal validity and etiology of the disorder is provided, and metatheoretical issues such as the cross-cultural and philosophical aspects of the disorder are also addressed. The final chapter presents conclusions about the current knowledge of panic, and looks toward future developments.

An important resource for all psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and researchers interested in panic disorder, this book will also be a valuable text for psychiatry residents, medical students, and graduate students in clinical and counseling psychology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a thoughtful, fresh, and constructively critical analysis of research and theorizing about panic disorder. Dr. McNally has an authoritative command of the literature, and his willingness to tackle controversial aspects of the subject is admirable and welcome. Panic Disorder is an excellent book that will be widely used and frequently quoted." --S. Rachman, Ph.D., University of British Columbia

"An up-to-date and incisive analysis of the current state of our knowledge of panic disorder and related conditions. With admirable breadth and depth, Richard J. McNally covers the latest findings from phenomenology, nosology, and neurobiology as they pertain to the concepts of anxiety, fear, panic, and panic disorder. In this emerging field it is increasingly difficult to keep up with the literature, let alone integrate it. Dr. McNally does a particularly good job of presenting a broad-based integrative view of this all too common disorder. Every clinician and researcher interested in anxiety disorders will want to be familiar with this book." --David H. Barlow, Ph.D., Director of the Phobia and Anxiety Disorders Clinic, University at Albany, State University of New York

"This is a very thoroughly researched and up-to-date review of virtually all that has been written about panic disorder over the past several decades. The reference section alone would make the book highly useful to scholars and worth publishing. The writing style is clear and the book is interesting to read....This is an impressive body of work which promises to contribute importantly to the field." --M. Katherine Shear, M.D., Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

"A gem of a book." --Windy Dryden, Goldsmiths College, University of London

"Panic Disorder: a Critical Analysis is one of the cleverest and most thought-provoking boooks on psychopathology that I have ever read. It is heartily recommended to those who are interested in catching up on theory and ressearch as well as to those who are not interested but should be." --Marcel Van Den Hout, Behavior Research Therapy

"This is a very thoughtful and well crafted book..." --Stephen R. Dager, M.D. in Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease

From the Inside Flap

It can happen anywhere, anytime. And fear of another attack may cause you to stop driving, going to the supermarket, or even leaving your house. Worse, you may be told the problem is "all in your head." If so, you may have panic disorder, a condition that disrupts the lives of nearly six percent of all Americans. Now, this compassionate, authoritative guide brings you both hope and help, providing the latest facts on why panic attacks happen, who is at risk, and what treatments can cure this frightening disorder. Find out about:

The age, sex, and personality type that put you at greatest riskThe physical illnesses, medications, and substance abuse problems that set off attacksThe life-threatening health problems that often develop from untreated panic disorderNews about the best medications, breakthrough help called PFPP, holistic alternative therapies--and exciting research about more effective new treatments. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 276 pages
• Publisher: Guilford Press; 1 edition (August 5, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898622638
• ISBN-13: 978-0898622638
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,631,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge is power, February 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: If You Think You Have Panic Disorder (A Dell Mental Health Guide) (Mass Market Paperback)

I have to admit that I haven't even finished the book yet, but I fell compelled to write anyway. I am on page 43 of 159 (not counting glossary, appendix and index) but I have already had an epiphany, of sorts. Part, and maybe most, of what is so distressing about panic disorder is not understanding it. We know it's happening, but we don't know why or how. We feel alone, isolated, hopeless, even crazy, and very, very afraid. Everyone has heard the saying "we fear that which we do not understand". In the case of panic disorder this, I'm sure, is half the problem. This book is not a warm-fuzzy book. It is not overloaded with case histories (though there are some). What it is is a very clear explanation of what panic disorder is and the myriad factors that come into play. I firmly believe that one of the best things a person with the disorder can do as self-help is to become educated about it. This book is an EXCELLENT place to start. What a relief to know that I'm not crazy, and there may, in fact, be a perfectly legitimate explanation for why I'm predisposed to this. This book won't fix your problems. But, it will give you a starting point on your road to remission, and maybe even complete recovery. What have you got to lose?