Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adult Americans. This accessible guide provides listeners with an overview of anxiety: what it is, who gets it, how to recognize it, what the major causes are, how a small amount of anxiety can actually help motivate us, and what the dangers of letting more severe anxiety go untreated are.Dr. Small discusses the various types of anxiety (e.g., panic, OCD), conventional treatments (e.g., medications, psychotherapy), alternative therapies (e.g., exercise, meditation, yoga, homeopathy), novel therapies (e.g., transmagnetic stimulation), new scientific discoveries and interventions coming down the pike (e.g., focused ultrasound), and how to know when it's time to seek professional help.
In addition to case studies and patient interviews, Dr. Small also includes side-bars with factoids, lists, and other helpful information.