Clinical Manual of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent, persistent, disabling, and
costly psychiatric disorders, yet they are often underdiagnosed and
undertreated. Fortunately, there have been major advances in understanding and
treating these conditions in recent years; this is one of the most exciting
areas in modern medicine.

This clinical manual has earned its place in the
literature as one of just a few volumes that covers all of the major anxiety
disorders and presents integrated contributions from both psychopharmacologists
and psychotherapists-all in one compact work written for busy
clinicians.

Though concepts of anxiety have long enjoyed a central
position in philosophical and psychoanalytic theories, empirical research on
anxiety disorders has a relatively short history. Here, 16 experts discuss
advances in diagnosis, assessment (including relevant rating scales),
pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy.

This volume begins by reviewing recent
important diagnostic, epidemiological, neurobiological, and treatment
findings-all of which have significant implications for clinicians. Subsequent
chapters cover Panic disorder and agoraphobia-Laboratory studies of fear have
significantly advanced our understanding of the neurocircuitry and
neurochemistry of panic. Furthermore, panic disorder is now readily treated with
both medications and psychotherapy.

Specific phobia-Viewed for many
years as mild and even trivial, this common disorder is now recognized for its
very real associated distress and impairment. Exposure therapy is the treatment
mainstay, though pharmacotherapy should be considered particularly when there is
comorbidity.

Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder)-In the past few
years, the first FDA-approved medications for this disorder have been made
available. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also effective for the treatment of
this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition.

Obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD)-OCD was the first disorder where it was shown that both specific
medications and cognitive-behavioral techniques resulted in normalization of
activity in particular brain structures. It is now possible to provide patients
with integrated treatment approaches.

Posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)-Once viewed as a normal reaction to trauma, PTSD is increasingly
understood as a pathological response, characterized by specific
psychobiological dysfunctions. Again, there have been exciting advances in the
treatment of this disorder, with the release of the first FDA-approved agents
for PTSD.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-For a number of years GAD
was thought of as a residual disorder occasionally seen in combination with more
primary conditions. Nowadays, we know that GAD is an independent condition that
is prevalent, persistent, and disabling.

Busy residents and psychiatrists
in active clinical practice, psychologists, primary care practitioners, and
other mental health professionals will find this clinical manual-with its
integrated approach of both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy-a valuable tool in
their everyday practices.