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The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

Author: Edmund J Bourne
Publication info: New Harbinger Publications,U.S.; 4Rev Ed edition (May 2005)
ISBN: 1572244135

This is a revision of the best-selling classic. It provides step-by-step help for sufferers of anxiety and phobic disorders. This edition offers the latest treatment strategies for the whole range of these problems - panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalised anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder - with revisions that include updated information on medications, mindfulness training, and health-related conditions that aggravate anxiety.

Reviewed by a member of SANE's Service User Group:

This book is, quite simply, the best single resource for sufferers of anxiety and related problems. The fact it so far enjoys only 5 star reviews in over 20 UK Amazon customer reviews, in a subject area that normally produces great variations in opinion, is a testament to how well received it has been. It is an excellent reference, a work book to begin or maintain a recovery from debilitating anxiety, an encouragingly and refreshingly pragmatic and realistic appraisal of disorders, treatments and medications and a crutch for those suffering relapses into old, painful habits.

I came to this book thoroughly disillusioned with the genre of self help for those suffering moderate to severe anxiety. Other texts seem to promise much, only to quickly disappoint by reiterating similar messages of just being positive and expelling negative thoughts. If only it were that easy! Bourne's text takes a more comprehensive approach. It fully details the anxiety conditions, and then sets out the methods by which the symptoms and the root condition can be treated and improved.

In doing this he seems to be open minded, rational and encouraging. Rather than dismiss certain forms of treatment, he explains their advantages and disadvantages and acknowledges that different treatments are more effective and more appropriate to different people with different conditions, in varying degrees of seriousness and at differing points in their diagnosis. It is one of the few 'self-help' books I have read that suggests for some people medication is the best therapy, and long term exposure to medication may be required, and that this is to be welcomed as a relief from vicious symptoms rather than feared or stigmatised.

The book also fully considers exercise, nutrition, sleep, relaxation techniques, dealing with panic and behavioural patterns. It is a workbook in its approach to cognitive behavioural therapy, overcoming negative self talk, changing mistaken beliefs, visualization, expressing feelings and assertiveness. This allows the reader to be more proactive, and actually put into action the techniques discussed within a progressive and constructive framework. It incorporates a range of step-by-step guidelines, questionnaires, exercises and sheets to be photocopied for use in a programme of CBT.

More than any other resource or individual this book has helped me accept my condition, and treat it as a treatable illness rather than something to be ashamed of or something to endlessly strive to be rid of. Since doing this life has been significantly improved and enjoyed.

Added : 10 December 2007

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