Anxiety Disorders

Panic | Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Health Anxiety | Specific Phobias | Social Anxiety

It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, for example, when things are not going well, when we are doing something for the first time and not feeling confident, or when we perceive danger. A certain amount of anxiety may even be helpful, protecting us from potentially dangerous situations, or moving us to act on our concerns. These kinds of anxious feelings are usually brief, mild, and occasional.

Anxiety becomes a problem when the symptoms are so severe, persistent, and distressing, that they negatively affect an individual’s ability to carry some of their normal daily activities. Common symptoms include excessive worry, extreme fear, shortness of breath, increased heart-rate, insomnia, trembling, light-headedness, and dizziness.

Anxiety disorders are common. Some research suggests that up to one in four adults has experienced an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. It is the number one mental health problem reported by women, and the second most-often reported, by men. It can have profound effects on the life of the sufferer, and those around them, if left untreated.

Anxiety often starts in adolescence or early adulthood, although it may have its onset at any time. Some evidence suggests that there may be a hereditary basis for it, which compounded with environmental factors, may predispose some individuals to developing an anxiety disorder. Current stressors may exacerbate the situation.

If left untreated, anxiety can have profound effects on sufferer’s lives. For example, recurring panic attacks can lead to avoidance of situations where there is fear that another attack might get triggered. This avoidance can conflict with job requirements, family obligations, travel, and other necessary activities of daily life. As people withdraw from life, they are more prone to developing depression, and/or conflictual relationships with significant people in their lives. Some people may abuse alcohol and drugs to cope with anxious feelings.

Related links:
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com

Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com

Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca

Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov

Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net

MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com

National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov

Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association: www.socialphobia.org

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. www.apa.org/helpcenter

Screen and free online 12-session CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) course: www.paniccenter.net

For youth: www.mindyourmind.ca

Suggested readings:
The Anti-Anxiety Workbook: Proven Strategies to Overcome Worry, Phobias, and Obsessions. (2009). By M. Antony and P.J. Norton. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.

When Perfect Isn’t Good Enough: Strategies for Overcoming Perfectionism, ( 2nd Edition). (2008). By M. Antony and R.P. Swinson. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

The Feeling Good Handbook, (Revised Edition). (1999). By D. Burns. New York, NY: Plume.

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, (6th Edition. (2008). By M. Davis, E.R. Eshelman, and M. McKay. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free from Anxiety, Phobias, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (2007). By J.P. Forsyth and G.H. Eifert. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Mind Over Mood. Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think. (1995). By D. Greenberg and C.A. Padesky. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.
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Panic Disorder [click here for further information]

Related links:
www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder.aspx
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. www.apa.org/helpcenter

Suggested readings:
10 Simple Solutions to Panic: How to Overcome Panic Attacks, Calm Physical Symptoms, and Reclaim Your Life. (2004). By M.M. Antony and R.E. McCabe. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic, 4th Edition Workbook. (2007) By D.D. Barlow and M.G. Craske. New York, NY: Oxford.

From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life. (1995). By L. Bassett. New York, NY: Harper-Collins Publishers.

Don’t Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks, 3rd Edition. (2009). By R. Wilson. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

An End to Panic: Breakthrough Techniques to Overcome Panic Disorder, (2nd Edition). (1997). By E.Zuercher-White. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder [click here for further information]

Related links:
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. www.apa.org/helpcenter

Suggested readings:
Mastery of Your Anxiety and Worry. (1992). By M.G. Craske, D.H. Barlow, and T. O’Leary. San Antonio. TX.: The Psychological Corporation.

The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free from Anxiety, Phobias, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (2007). By J.P Forsyth and G.H. Eifert. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

10 Simple Solutions to Worry: How to Calm Your Mind, Relax Your Body, and Reclaim Your Life. (2006). By K.L. Gyoerkoe and P.S. Wiegartz. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Women Who Worry Too Much: How to Stop Sorry and Anxiety From Ruining Relationships, Work, and Fun. (2005). By H. Hazlett-Stevens. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

The Worry Cure. (2005). By R. Leary. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder [click here for further information]

Related links:
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
The Ontario Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Network: www.ocdontario.org
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. www.apa.org/helpcenter

Suggested readings:
Getting Control: Overcoming Your Obsessions. (2000). By L. Baer. New York, NY: Plume.

Stop Obsessing! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions, (Revised Edition). (2001). By E.B. Foa and R. Wilson. New York, NY: Bantam.

Freedom From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty. (2001). By J. Grayson. New York, NY: Berkley Publishing Group.

The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, (2nd Edition). (2005). By B.M. Hyman and C. Pedrick. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Loving Someone With OCD: Help For You and Your Family. (2005). By K. Landsman, K. Rupertus, and C. Pedrck. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Overcoming Compulsive Checking. (2004). By P. Munford. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Overcoming Compulsive Washing. (2005). By P. Munford. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD. (2005) By C. Purdon and D.A. Clark. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

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Health Anxiety [click here for further information]

Related links:
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. www.apa.org/helpcenter
http://www.abc.net.au/health/features/stories/2003/04/17/1835641.htm

Suggested readings:
Overcoming Medical Phobias: How to Conquer Fear of Blood, Needles, Doctors, and Dentists. (2006). By M. Antony and M. Waitling. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

It’s Not All In Your Head: How Worrying About Your Health Could Be Making You Sick. (2005). By J. Asmundson and S. Taylor. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.

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Specific Phobias [click here for further information]

Related links:
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. www.apa.org/helpcenter

Suggested readings:
Mastering Your Fears and Phobias (client workbook), (2nd Edition). (2006). By M.M. Antony, M.G. Craske, and D.H. Barlow. New York, NY: Oxford.

Overcoming Animal and Insect Phobias: How to Conquer Fear of Dogs, Snakes, Rodents, Bees, Spiders and More. (2005). By M.M. Antony and R.E. McCabe. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook For Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free from Anxiety, Phobias, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (2007). By J.P. Forsyth and G.H. Eifert. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

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Social Anxiety

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): Always Embarrassed

[click to download a pdf]

Related links:
Anxiety B.C.: www.anxietybc.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario: www.anxietyontario.com
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.gov
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: www.canmat.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
MAC Anxiety Research Center: www.macanxiety.com
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association: www.socialphobia.org

Suggested readings:
10 Simple Solutions to Shyness. How to Overcome Shyness, Social Anxiety, and Fear of Public Speaking. (2004). By M.M. Antony. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven, Step-by-Step Techniques for Overcoming your Fear (2nd Ed.). (2008). By M.M. Antony and R.P. Swinson. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

People Skills. (1979). By R. Bolton. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness: A Self-help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. (1999). By G. Butler. London, UK: Robinson

Shyness: A bold Approach (2000). By B.J.Carducci. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

No More Butterflies: Overcoming Shyness, Stage Fright, Interview Anxiety and Fear of Public Speaking. (1996). By P. Desberg, P. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Conversationally Speaking: Testing New Ways to Increase your Personal and Social Effectiveness (3rd Ed.). (1997). By A. Garner. Los Angeles, CA: Lowell House

Managing Social Anxiety. (2000). By D.A. Hope, R.G. Heimberg, H.R. Juster, & C.L.Turk. Boulder, CO: Graywind Publications.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Dating (2nd Ed.). (1999). By. J. Kuriansky. New York, NY: Alpha books.

Dying of Embarrassment: Help for Social Anxiety and Phobia. (1992). By B.G. Markway, C.N. Carmin, C.A. Pollard, and T Flynn. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Messages: The Communications Skills Book, (2nd Ed.). (1995). By M. McKay, M. Davis, and P. Fanning. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia: A Step-by-Step Guide. (1998). By R.M. Rapee. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.

The Hidden Faces of Shyness: Understanding and Overcoming Social Anxiety. (1996). By F. Schneier, and L. Welkowitz. New York, NY: Avon Books.

Triumph Over Shyness: Conquering Shyness and Social Anxiety. (2001). By M.B.Stein, and J.R. Walker. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again. (1998). By T. Tessina. New York, NY: Macmillan.