The Wiley Concise Guides to Mental Health

Anxiety disorders manifest in a variety of ways, thus requiring diverse treatment approaches. In an era that is skewed toward pharmacologic approaches, it is very refreshing to find a book that provides psychological aspects of case formulation and treatment in a simple and practical manner. By navigating the readers through diagnostic aspects as well as practical treatment methods, Drs. Kase and Ledley have succeeded in providing an exemplarily concise book for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. The book is divided into 3 sections: Conceptualization and Assessment (section 1), Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (section 2), and Additional Issues and Treatment Considerations (section 3). The first section deals with a general overview of anxiety disorders, including practical steps in assessment, individually tailored case conceptualization, and treatment planning. The authors also use case illustrations to differentiate how various types of anxiety disorders can manifest. Chapter 2 delves into the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to the different types of anxiety disorders. Chapter 3 deals with the steps needed by clinicians to carry out a thorough evaluation; through the use of tables (Table 3.4 and 3.5), this chapter provides a useful comparison of self-report measures for anxiety and depression. Section 2 broadly describes the most widely used treatments of anxiety disorders. Practicing clinicians may especially appreciate the practical explanations about the use of psychoeducation in understanding the maintenance and thus treatment of anxiety disorders. Table 7.1 (p. 102) gives tips for designing hierarchies, while Table 7.2 gives a sample exposure work sheet. Similarly, in chapter 9, readers are guided through the use of assertiveness and skills training, problem-solving approach, relaxation techniques, and guided imagery. The final section consists of 6 chapters that deal with treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders; group, couples, and family therapy; issues relating to supervision; and consultation and collaboration with multidisciplinary professionals. To describe the treatment of anxiety disorders as without challenges would be unrealistic and counterproductive. The authors consequently use chapter 16 to describe the “Clinicians' Top Ten Concerns and Challenges with the Treatment of Anxiety.” The role of supervision is emphasized throughout the book. The authors also provide other useful resources, including self-help for patients (pp. 235–236). Overall, this book is concise and practical and is recommended for all clinicians who treat anxiety disorders on a regular basis.