Anxiety Disorders Sourcebook, 2nd Ed.

Concerns over finances, work, family, and the future are common sources of anxiety. In many cases individuals cope with such stressors and lead a healthy life. However, for others, worry becomes uncontrollable, taking a profound physical and mental toll. Prolonged anxiety can also lead to severe conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and may also make an individual more vulnerable to substance abuse.

Anxiety Disorders Sourcebook, Second Edition provides insight into the various ways people experience anxiety and its various types of disorders, including general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder. It provides information about chronic illnesses linked to anxiety and ways to overcome them. It also discusses anxiety in specific populations such as pregnant women, children, older adults, and the LGBT community. The book explains various treatment therapies such as psychotherapy, cognitive processing therapy, and complementary and alternative therapies for the anxiety disorders. Suggestions for coping with anxiety disorders are also included. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and a directory of mental health organizations for people with anxiety disorders and other mental health concerns.

This book is divided into parts and chapters. Parts focus on broad areas of interest. Chapters are devoted to single topics within a part.

Part I: Introduction to Mental Health Disorders and Anxiety begins with an overview of mental health and mental health disorders. It dispels common myths and provides facts about mental health. It discusses anxiety disorders in general and provides statistical information on anxiety disorders and its incidence in specific populations.

Part II: Types of Anxiety Disorders gives an overview of anxiety disorders and the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment-related aspects of the most common types of anxiety-related mental health disorders including agoraphobia, general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, selective mutism, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, specific phobia, and test anxiety.

Part III: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment for Anxiety Disorders highlights various factors that can predispose a person to developing anxiety. Therapies for alleviating anxiety disorders such as antianxiety medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and complementary approaches including abdominal breathing, chamomile capsules, meditation, mindfulness, relaxation therapy, and yoga have been included. Technological frontiers in the treatment of mental health disorders are also discussed.

Part IV: Anxiety and Other Chronic Illnesses discusses the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic illnesses and conditions often linked to anxiety, such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), borderline personality disorder, cancer, depression, eating disorders, erectile dysfunction, fibromyalgia, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sleep disorders, and substance abuse.

Part V: Managing Stress and Everyday Anxiety describes how one can manage and cope with the symptoms of anxiety. It discusses how exercise and animal companionship help in managing stress and other anxiety-related disorders. It also talks about developing resilience and coping with emotions related to anxiety.

Part VI: Looking Ahead highlights ways individuals with anxiety disorders can lead productive lives. It provides details about financial assistance and help available for people with anxiety disorders. Mental health issues among caregivers and coping strategies are also covered. The part concludes with clinical trials available for people with anxiety disorders and with a glance on the latest ongoing research.

Part VII: Additional Help and Information provides a glossary of terms related to anxiety disorders and directories of mental health resources and organizations for people with anxiety disorders and other mental concerns.