The Anxiety Book: Developing Strength In The Face Of Fear.

By Jonathan R. Davidson, M.D., and Henry Dreher. Riverhead Books, 2003.

Sleeplessness, irritability, muscle tension, trouble concentrating, nightmares, fear of attention, difficulty with relaxing, dizziness, hyper-vigilance, trembling, racing heart, cold sweats, numbing emotion. If you experience even one of these symptoms, you are probably one of the millions who have suffered from anxiety. More people visit their doctors for anxiety symptoms than they do for the common cold. One in five people have it—everyone from movie stars to your next-door neighbor; but most do their best to cope in debilitating silence or become dependent on strong medications to take the edge off their pain.
The Anxiety Book is a comprehensive resource for defeating anxiety and building resilience. Dr. Davidson includes:

• Questionnaires to help you find out which type of anxiety you have
  
  
• Information on the most effective treatments for each form of anxiety—from cognitive techniques to state of the art medication
  
  
• A complete, five point plan for recovery through relaxation, spiritual growth, changing the way you think, diet, exercise, and herbs and medications
  
  
• Actual case studies and success stories from his extensive research and medical practice
  
  
• A comprehensive medication chart informs the reader of efficacy, dosage and side effects of the most commonly used drugs as well as those that have barely hit the market
  Backed by peer-reviewed research and 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Davidson brings solid methods and reassuring advice to the millions who suffer in silence.
  
  

Jonathan R. Davidson, MD is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University Medical Center. He has received awards from the American Psychiatric Association, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the American Psychopathological Association, and the American Medical Association for his contributions to psychiatry as well as a National Institutes for Health grant for a groundbreaking study of herbs.

Review From Publisher's Weekly
“Davidson (Herbs for the Mind) director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University Medical Center, with the assistance of science writer Dreher, has produced a valuable tool for dealing with anxiety, a condition that strikes 20 million Americans and may seriously impair their daily functioning. The authors divide chronic anxiety into five major categories: generalized anxiety, social phobia, posttraumatic stress, panic, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Informed coverage of each category is provided, including symptoms, manifestations and self-assessment tests that help readers identify which type of anxiety is troubling them. Davidson has treated anxiety disorders for decades and draws on patient histories and research to offer treatment options. For example, if someone is unduly frightened of public speaking, he suggests exposure therapy, such as deliberately agreeing to do a presentation at work. Other strategies include developing serenity skills by meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, pursuing a healthy diet and exercise program and taking medications. There is a comprehensive section on the use of herbal remedies. Davidson sets a positive and compassionate tone throughout the text and is convinced, based on the clinical evidence, that it is possible to subdue unhealthy anxiety and become an emotionally stronger person after in engaging in one or more treatment programs. This is an excellent self-help resource.”