The Anxious Brain: The Neurobiological Basis of Anxiety Disorders and How to Effectively Treat Them

by Steven M. Prinz M.D., Margaret Wehrenberg Psy.D.

Overview

Therapists and their clients benefit from understanding how anxiety is generated in the brain, how it can become panic or unbounded worry, and ultimately how the brain re-establishes the neurochemical balance that is basic to a state of well-being.

These insights in the brain underlying mental phenomena put anxiety into a perspective that makes it easier to become calm, and provides the bases for effective intervention with thought exercises, breathing techniques, and behavioral adaptations.

The Anxious Brain is a timely clinical guide. Current statistics show that up to one-third of Americans suffers a panic attack during their lifetime and up to eight percent is currently suffering from one of the anxiety disorders. Medication, once considered the first line of treatment, is losing public favor as clients realize their symptoms re-emerge when they stop using the drugs. However, our increasing understanding of the brain offers clinicians and clients a new and expanding set of resources that include but go well beyond pharmacological treatments.

Wehrenberg and Prinz describe brain structure and function and neurotransmitter activity related to the three major anxiety disorders in a way that psychotherapists can better understand, diagnose, and effectively treat anxiety disorders. Rich in neurophysiological diagrams and practical exercises that target the activity of specific neurological mechanisms, this book shows us how to take control of our brains to alleviate various anxiety disorders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393705126
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	03/17/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	620,578
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Steven M. Prinz, M.D., is a psychiatrist and Medical Director at Linden Oaks Hospital, Napierville, Illinois.

Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice, a popular public speaker, and international anxiety coach. She is the author of numerous books, including The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques. She lives in Naperville, IL.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     vii
Preface     viii
Introduction     1
The Physical Brain and the Mind of Anxiety     9
Neurotransmitters: Messengers of the Brain     37
Panic Disorder: Mindless Fear     53
Treating Panic Disorder     72
Medicating for Panic Disorder     95
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Worry Without Reason     116
Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder     134
Medicating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder     173
Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of Exposure     189
Treating Social Anxiety Disorder     201
Medicating for Social Anxiety Disorder     235
Suggested Reading     248
References     255
Index     265