Resources

Over the past ten years many books have been written on the subject of anxiety. The ones that I believe to be among the best are included in this reference list. The books are grouped by category, along with a comment about each one:

Panic Disorder/Panic Anxiety

1. Don’t Panic, by Reid Wilson, Ph.D.
This book is arguably the best resource available on the subject of panic attacks. It is a comprehensive, highly readable text for those seeking to acquire a thorough understanding of the subject. It also contains exercises and strategies to help panic attack sufferers overcome the effects of this often incapacitating disorder.

2. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, by Edmond J. Bourne, Ph.D.
This is another detailed, comprehensive book that covers both anxiety and phobias. While a bit long, it does provide much useful information and includes a workbook, allowing readers to apply the material presented in the text. It also contains helpful sections on relaxation, assertiveness, visualization and nutrition.

3. Psychological Treatment of Panic, by David H. Barlow, Ph.D., and Jerome A. Cerny, Ph.D.
Although much shorter than Reid Wilson’s “Don’t Panic”, this informative text provides in-depth coverage of every aspect of panic disorder. It details the author’s step-by-step program for treating this disorder, including a thorough explanation of the relaxation, exposure and cognitive therapy treatment components. This is must reading for practitioners and lay persons with an interest in the area of panic disorder.

Agoraphobia

1. Peace from Nervous Suffering, by Dr. Claire Weekes
This fairly short book provides a unique perspective on why people suffer from what Dr. Weekes refers to as, “Nervous Illness.” The book is interesting, informative and contains case histories illustrating Dr. Weekes’ innovative treatment approach. This is an excellent resource for those suffering from agoraphobia, written by a true pioneer in the field.

Social Phobia/Social Anxiety

1. Triumph over Shyness – Conquering Shyness and Social Anxiety, by Murray B. Stein, M.D. and John R. Walker, Ph.D.
This is basically an introductory text written with humor and encouragement for people who suffer from extreme shyness or social anxiety. It is written in clear, simple language and contains interesting case examples that highlight the author’s approach to treatment. The authors use the terms social anxiety (SA) and social phobia (SP) interchangeably in presenting their material.

2. Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe, by Signe A. Dayhoff, Ph.D.
This book is quite advanced, written for the reader who seeks an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of social phobia (i.e., social anxiety). It provides a wealth of information on the subject, supplemented with useful case examples. Helpful exercises designed to mitigate the effects of social phobia are also included as part of Dr. Dayhoff’s treatment protocol.

Performance Anxiety

1. In the Spotlight, by Janet Esposito M.S.
This is arguably the best book available on the subject of public speaking anxiety (a form of “performance anxiety”), written by someone who overcame this often debilitating problem. Ms. Esposito is truly an authority on the subject. She presents case examples and helpful exercises as part of her comprehensive treatment program. This short text is interesting, well written and is essential reading for anyone who has difficulty speaking in public.

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)

1. Stop Obsessing, by Edna Foa, Ph.D. and Reid Wilson, Ph.D.
Edna Foa is a pioneer in the field of obsessions and compulsions. Together with Reid Wilson, the authors give a thorough presentation of every aspect of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The book is surprisingly easy to read and contains many case examples that exemplify the author’s approach to treatment. It is an excellent resource for both professional and lay persons alike.

2. Worry – controlling it and using it wisely, by Edward J. Hallowell, M.D.
This book examines the problem of chronic worrying in great detail. It is very easy to understand and contains numerous clinical anecdotes illustrating Dr. Hallowell’s methods for helping people overcome the troublesome effects of chronic worrying. It is must reading for those who “worry about everything,” or consider themselves “worry-warts.”

3. The imp of the mind – (exploring the silent epidemic of bad thoughts), by Lee Baer, Ph.D.
This very short book consists of two sections: The first examines the nature of intrusive “bad thoughts”, while the second presents several treatment options. Dr. Baer’s treatment is based mainly on the principles of exposure and cognitive therapy. The book is both entertaining and informative. It is especially recommended for those who struggle with the problem of keeping unwanted or intrusive thoughts out of the mind.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1. The Anxiety Cure, by Robert L. Dupont, M.D., Elizabeth Dupont Spencer, M.S.W., and Caroline M. Dupont, M.D.
This is quite possibly the best overall book on the subject of anxiety. It is creatively written, informative and thoroughly examines the nature of anxiety-related suffering. The book was written by a family (some of whom are anxiety “sufferers”) and offers an eight step program for the treatment of anxiety-based difficulties. This book is must reading for anyone who wishes to acquire an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of anxiety.

2. Overcoming Generalized Anxiety Disorder, by John White, Ph.D. (Offered by Best Practices for Therapy / 1-800-748-6273).
This self-help program contains Relaxation, Cognitive Restructuring and Exposure/Practice as its primary treatment components. The material is easy to read and well presented. It is designed for people who prefer a highly structured and systematic approach to the problem of generalized anxiety.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

1. Overcoming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, by Larry Smyth, Ph.D.
(Offered by Best Practices for Therapy / 1-800-748-6273).
This self-help program offers a Cognitive-Behavioral, Exposure-Based Protocol for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is designed for individuals who prefer a structured, systematic approach to help them overcome the effects of PTSD. *Although helpful, this program should perhaps be considered an adjunct to psychotherapy, or other forms of treatment of PTSD.

2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV):

This text, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides a complete listing of all mental disorders. DSM-IV is the best resource available for those seeking up-to-date information about the nature and classification of mental disorders.