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For anyone whose personal life or career has been disrupted by health anxiety this compassionate, nonjudgmental, and practical book--written by two psychologists--may be just what the doctor ordered.
List of contents
I. Understanding Health Anxiety
1. Do I Worry Too Much about My Health?
2. Body and Brain: It's Not All in Your Head
3. Do I Have Some Other Anxiety Disorder?
4. Sick and Sad: Am I Depressed, Too?
II. Breaking the Health Anxiety Cycle
5. Understanding and Managing Stress
6. Thoughts That Influence Your Anxiety and How to Change Them
7. Behaviors That Influence Your Anxiety and How to Change Them
III. Maintaining Your Gains
8. Dealing with Doctors
9. Helping Friends and Family Help You
10. Living Life and Maintaining Your Gains
Resources
About the author
Gordon J. G. Asmundson, PhD, is Professor and Canadian Institutes of Health Research Investigator in Psychology and Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada, and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Asmundson is well known for his award-winning research in the areas of anxiety disorders, health anxiety, and acute and chronic pain.
Steven Taylor, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Taylor has also received several prestigious research awards. His work focuses on cognitive-behavioral treatments and anxiety disorders.
Together, Drs. Asmundson and Taylor are the authors of a related professional book, Treating Health Anxiety, also published by Guilford.
Summary
Written by Gordon J G Asmundson, PhD and Steven Taylor, PhD. He is a Professor of Health Studies and Psychology at the University of Regina. His work focuses on the relationships between anxiety disorders and health anxiety. Steven Taylor is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia.
Additional text
As a long-term sufferer of health anxiety, I wish I could have read this book many years ago. I know that it would have saved me a lot of grief. It is full of helpful ideas and things to do, including easy-to-follow self-assessments, exercises, and worksheets. If you worry a lot about your health, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.--Paul, age 64It may sound hard to believe, but I've been to scores of doctors and none of them have ever explained the issues that this book demystifies in such a simple, commonsense way. I have a whole new lease on life now--maybe you will too.--Graham, age 52Since reading this book, my partner has become much more rational about his anxiety. He used to hide his fears from me (while still seeking reassurance), but now he can talk about them openly and deal with them more productively. I've learned ways I can be more helpful, too, and the stress has gone down for both of us.--Jennifer, age 28This is the most comprehensive and useful book available for people who worry a lot about their health. It is practical, easy to read, and packed with helpful exercises. Most importantly, the strategies described in this book are based on solid scientific research, with proven effectiveness. Anyone who worries about his or her health will likely benefit from reading this book, as will the people who care about them.--Martin M. Antony, PhD, coauthor of 10 Simple Solutions to Panic; Director, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaAsmundson and Taylor, two very accomplished researchers, have turned their considerable clinical and writing skills to a much-neglected topic. Full of useful scientific information, engaging anecdotes, solid advice, and no small measure of humor, It's Not All in Your Head will help put many health anxiety sufferers on the road to wellness and peace of mind.--Murray B. Stein, MD, MPH, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San DiegoIn a clear, sympathetic style, these expert authors throw light on the confusing area of health anxiety. Until now, people suffering from hypochondriasis and related problems have lacked a readily accessible book to turn to for information and self-help strategies. For those who have been told their symptoms are 'all in their head,' there is finally relief here, where 'it's all in this book.'--Richard P. Swinson, MD, Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaIf you or someone you love worries too much about health concerns, help is finally at hand. Two internationally renowned experts share the latest information and offer helpful tools to help people feel healthier and worry less. Clear, helpful, and state-of-the-art.--Theo K. Bouman, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; coauthor of Anxiety Disorders: A Practitioner's Guide-This book is definitely worth buying as an adjunct to CBT treatment, or as a first line treatment for mild health anxiety in primary care.--Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 5/7/2005ƒƒThe authors present the concept of healthy anxiety and the problems of hypochondriasis, disease phobia, and somatic delusions in a straightforward and respectful manner....The authors present health anxiety matter-of-factly as another health problem to be dealt with, for which, luckily, there is help. The authors' presentation of this information is a work of art and will be useful not only to the reader with health anxiety but to the health care professional as a model of how to explain health anxiety problems to a patient....It's Not All in Your Head is evidence based. It is clearly written. The information presented is neither oversimplified nor laden with jargon....may be written primarily for patients with health anxiety, but it is a useful tool for professionals as well.--PsycCRITIQUES, 5/7/2005
