Anxiety Disorders in Adults: An Evidence-Based Approach to Psychological Treatment

by Peter D. McLean, Sheila R. Woody

Overview

Recently developed psychosocial treatments for anxiety disorders reflect the systematic influence of scientifically generated knowledge, and these new treatments yield strong results. Research in such areas as information processing, cognition, behavioral avoidance, and the physiological components of anxious arousal has increased our knowledge of mediators that cause and maintain anxiety disorders.
The development of these new clinical tools is timely, as epidemiological studies now show that up to 25% of people will experience at least one anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Meanwhile, mental health care providers are increasingly pressured to limit the number of sessions and use demonstrably effective treatments.
In this book, the authors review psychosocial treatments for anxiety disorders, focusing on the scientific basis and demonstrated outcomes of the treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapies are highlighted, as they have been the most frequently investigated approaches to treating anxiety disorders. Individual chapters feature specific phobias: social phobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The book is rich in clinical material and integrates science and clinical practice in an effort to help practitioners to improve the effectiveness of their work with anxious clients.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195116250
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/04/2001
Series:	Guidebooks in Clinical Psychology
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 6.02(h) x 1.01(d)
Lexile:	1430L (what's this?)

About the Author

McLean, Peter D. (Univ of British Columbia); Woody, Sheila R. (Univ of British Columbia)

Table of Contents

1. Evidence-Based Practice2. The Nature of Anxiety3. Specific Fears and Phobias4. Social Phobia5. Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder7. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder8. Generalized Anxiety Disorder9. Standards for Quality CareAppendix A: Useful Measures for Anxiety DisordersAppendix B: Educational Resources for ProfessionalsAppendix C: Outcomes Measurement Systems VendorsReferencesIndex

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM, FAAETS (C3 Education and Research, Inc.)
Description: This book provides much needed structure and organization by proposing treatment guidelines for anxiety disorders in adults. It is the second volume in a series of clinical practice guidelines.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide mental health professionals with relevant information for the development of anxiety treatment programs. These guidelines are firmly established in empirical research, are practical, and emphasize evaluating and improving the quality of care. The book combines research with clinical practice, is a valuable contribution to the field, and meets the authors' objectives.
Audience: Intended mainly for mental health professionals, this book is a quick reference for the seasoned clinicians' treatment planning and serves as an invaluable educational tool for the young practitioner. The authors are highly credible in the field of mental health, both research and clinically astute, and are focused on improving the quality of life for anxious patients.
Features: This book opens with an excellent discussion of the current trend toward an evidence-based practice describing an eclectic, empirical model of therapy. Notably, the chapters on PTSD and social phobias are quite good; however, two prevailing weaknesses remain throughout. The first is the lack of thorough and detailed list of psychiatric scales available as the number of scales discussed within the book are incomplete. Secondly, while the author's state that they do not cover pharmacological treatment in great detail, some of the information provided is out dated. These weaknesses are minimal and detract only slightly from the overall utility of the book. The chapter on the standards for quality care gives a strong step-by-step guide for improving patient outcomes. The appendixes are helpful and are both a reference and starting point for further information. The index and tables are appropriately organized for quick reference. Case studies incorporate the applicability of the guidelines and provide readers with common clinical presentations, thus promoting implementation of the guidelines.
Assessment: The continued barrage of information surrounding mental illness is overwhelming for busy practitioners to keep up with. This book provides anxiety guidelines based upon the most frequently used and investigated approaches. These guidelines are adaptable and allow practitioners to design the most effective, appropriate, and individualized treatment plans for patients. In the same way that the first volume on depression is an unprecedented, highly valuable, and fitting contribution to the field of mental health, this second volume continues that tradition.

Doody's Review Service

"McLean and Woody's Anxiety in Adults provides clinicians both an overview of and an appreciation for evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders. Their experience as researches and practitioners is apparent throughout the book. The test is clearly written and accessible to a broad range of professionals. . .The arrangement of the chapters could not have been better throughout". —PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

From the Publisher

4 Stars! from Doody