Anxiety Disorders: A Practitioner′s Guide - Hardcover

Emmelkamp, Paul M. G.; Bouman, Theo K.; Scholing, Agnes

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471931128 ISBN 13: 9780471931126

Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell, 1992

Synopsis

This is an overview of recent developments in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders. As an audience the book is aimed at interested professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, general practitioners and social workers, and trainees in these fields. The overwhelming amount of literature on the subject makes it impossible to summarize in this book all studies into anxiety disorders that have appeared in the past few years. Therefore, the scope is restricted to the main issues. In the first part of the book, case descriptions and examples are included to alert workers in the (mental) health care on the various manifestations of anxiety disorders. The clinical description of the disorders is based upon the classification principles according to the third revised version of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-111-R) from the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 1987). Thus, the book can be regarded as an annotated version of these widely used diagnostic criteria pertaining to anxiety disorders. In this sense the information is also of relevance for those interested in diagnostic issues, and for those wanting to gain insight into possibilities for referral. A major part of the text is devoted to treatment guidelines. However, it should be emphasized that this book cannot be considered a treatment manual. The latter implies an extensive knowledge about and training in general psychopathology, in which professional activities carried out under supervision are an important ingredient. The chapters on treatment depart from a (cognitive) behavioural point of view, because of the important results in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It should be pointed out that, although the description of the procedures is restricted to the treatment of outpatients, most techniques can easily be adapted to inpatient settings. Details of case descriptions are changed in such a way as to warrant the patients' privacy. Furthermore, the authors have chosen to use the word "patient" instead of "client". This choice, however, does not imply adherence to a medical model of psychopathology; it merely reflects the current use in general text books.

About this title

From the Back Cover

This volume is an up–to–date overview of the cognitive–behavioural treatment of anxiety disorders. In addition to describing the phenomenology, assessment, and etiology, the book provides a comprehensive guide to the treatment of DSM–III–R anxiety disorders including panic disorder, phobic and obsessive–compulsive disorders, generalized anxiety and post–traumatic stress disorder. Recent developments in research are described, and an accumulated insight into the cognitive–behavioural treatment of these disorders is accompanied by a critical discussion of the therapeutic merits of psychopharmacological treatment approaches. In addition, the authors discuss the planning and implementation of treatments, as well as the problems that may occur during the process of therapy. The book provides many case illustrations on assessment as well as therapy, which makes it very suitable for both practitioners and those training in the fields of clinical psychology, psychiatry, general practice and social work. From published reviews "This book provides an excellent introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders One of this book’s strengths is its emphasis on phenomenology; the experiences of sufferers are well described, which helps the practitioner both to diagnose and to empathise. The book looks comprehensively at anxiety disorders, and treatment strategies are clearly described with good case examples." Bethlem & Maudsley Gazette " this volume will be of value to psychologists not specialized in behavioural methods, and ought to make the more empirically minded among them go ahead and learn more. The practically working behaviour therapist, who like any other therapist often finds himself in need of new ideas, will probably also find this volume worth reading." Scandinavian Journal of Behavioural Therapy

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471931128
• ISBN 13: 9780471931126
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 210