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The Small Guide to Anxiety
From New York Times bestselling author and expert on neuroscience and human behavior, Dr. Small's Guide to Anxiety Disorders provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias -- along with the latest treatment solutions from conventional and alternative therapies to new scientific discoveries and interventions.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adult Americans. This accessible guide starts with providing readers with an overview of anxiety: what it is, who gets it, how to recognize it, major causes (genetics, environment, etc.), and how a small amount of anxiety can actually help motivate us along with the dangers of letting more severe anxiety go untreated. Dr. Small discusses the various types of anxiety, general therapeutic approaches used for all anxiety disorders, and how to know when it’s time to seek professional help.
Each of the other chapters will cover a specific anxiety disorder (panic, OCD, etc.) and open with a case study example. Small will describe causes, symptoms, conventional treatments (e.g., medications, psychotherapy), alternative therapies (e.g., exercise, meditation, yoga, homeopathy), and novel therapies (e.g., transmagnetic stimulation [TMS]), as well as new scientific discoveries and interventions coming down the pike (e.g., focused ultrasound).
In addition to case studies and patient interviews, all chapters will include side-bars with factoids, lists, and other helpful information.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adult Americans. This accessible guide starts with providing readers with an overview of anxiety: what it is, who gets it, how to recognize it, major causes (genetics, environment, etc.), and how a small amount of anxiety can actually help motivate us along with the dangers of letting more severe anxiety go untreated. Dr. Small discusses the various types of anxiety, general therapeutic approaches used for all anxiety disorders, and how to know when it’s time to seek professional help.
Each of the other chapters will cover a specific anxiety disorder (panic, OCD, etc.) and open with a case study example. Small will describe causes, symptoms, conventional treatments (e.g., medications, psychotherapy), alternative therapies (e.g., exercise, meditation, yoga, homeopathy), and novel therapies (e.g., transmagnetic stimulation [TMS]), as well as new scientific discoveries and interventions coming down the pike (e.g., focused ultrasound).
In addition to case studies and patient interviews, all chapters will include side-bars with factoids, lists, and other helpful information.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
14 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 29, 2018
This is a little book with a lot of content. It covers what anxiety is and how to recognise it, how to seek help, the many different types of help both scientific and alternative plus information on whether they are proven in success. It really is quite comprehensive. I've suffered from anxiety for many years and keep it under control with some of the treatments mentioned but even I found new information here.
It's also quite easy to understand, there's a refreshing lack of psychobabble. And at no point does it tell you that one way is the best way; the authors leave it open for the reader to decide along with recommending seeking help with a professional.
My only bugbear is a common theme with self help books. It's written by an American, full of America stats and helplines but published internationally. These things are no good for any other country although you can I suppose gain an idea of what to google for where you live. It's not just this book that does it but it is annoying.
That aside though a really interesting book and highly recommended
It's also quite easy to understand, there's a refreshing lack of psychobabble. And at no point does it tell you that one way is the best way; the authors leave it open for the reader to decide along with recommending seeking help with a professional.
My only bugbear is a common theme with self help books. It's written by an American, full of America stats and helplines but published internationally. These things are no good for any other country although you can I suppose gain an idea of what to google for where you live. It's not just this book that does it but it is annoying.
That aside though a really interesting book and highly recommended
October 24, 2018
When I saw this book I thought it was another book promising all and delivering nothing. But, trying to be optimistic, I try it anyway wanting to see if I was right or wrong. I have to admit I was quite wrong. This book doesn’t deliver miracle, no book can do that in the psychological field, but it deliver a good introduction to the anxiety trouble in general (case study/example, information about what the trouble is, how to recognize the symptoms, different methods to find help, and more). Like I said no miracle, but good and pertinent information. I didn’t learn much, searching and studying this subject for over a decade now, but I think it’s a easy enough to understand book for the new comers and it cover the basic of it, so a good introduction to the subject and a good way to know more for regular people (not professional psychologist or student). Better than expected!
April 16, 2024
What was this? Truly awful and basically just definitions of various forms of anxieties with random love given to some supplements and techniques and the same conclusion at the end of every chapter.
April 13, 2021
I think this guide is excellent and also very helpful and practical. It is a very straightforward guide which explores the issue of anxiety in a way that is easy to understand. The book informs the reader about the different types of anxiety, the range of medical and non-medical treatment available, and it also provides a list of websites and sources of further help.
The guide is written in a way that is accessible and easy to understand, and the guide is also interesting. If you are seeking advice or you just want to know more, this provides a comprehensive guide. The book is written primarily for a US audience but the content will also help anyone from anywhere understand more about this health condition and options for treatment and management.
I would have really liked to know more about the use of essential oils and herbs in the management of anxiety, but what was included here was useful. Overall this is a very informative and helpful guide.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
The guide is written in a way that is accessible and easy to understand, and the guide is also interesting. If you are seeking advice or you just want to know more, this provides a comprehensive guide. The book is written primarily for a US audience but the content will also help anyone from anywhere understand more about this health condition and options for treatment and management.
I would have really liked to know more about the use of essential oils and herbs in the management of anxiety, but what was included here was useful. Overall this is a very informative and helpful guide.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 31, 2018
Anyone who struggles with a phobia, anxiety or depression will find this book helpful in finding relief. The authors examine GAD (General Anxiety Disorder), and other manifestations including panic attacks, agoraphobia, etc. Just identifying specific triggers and responses will help someone with anxiety deal with their issues- highly recommended!
April 19, 2019
The authors, Dr Small and Gigi Vorgan, have put together a neat and helpful guide on anxiety, what it is, identifying it and methods for how it is handled. It's a mental health condition so they delve into the psychology as well as the science. With laboratory studies, case studies, diagnostic criteria, this is a book that serves as a handy resource.
I studied psychology for some years so I had a lot of the understanding already but there was more to learn. For instance, with most anxiety-related mental health conditions, women are twice as likely to be affected than men. I'd have liked a thorough discussion on why this is but will have to look elsewhere. While I also had some knowledge of the condition from a few people I'm close to (with the condition), I never recognised it. In fact, when they shared it with me I was taken aback. Of course I'm not exactly qualified to identify it, but I have learned that this is something that is quite invisible- all in one's head.
Further, I had no idea that for an anxiety sufferer, their worries are magnified, and become nearly all-consuming. An incredibly scary thought! But, I think, with Dr Small and Vogen's frequent advice, sharing of tips and coping mechanisms, sufferers can find some form of relief. Or, at least a fully-formed idea of what it is they're experiencing and what is available.
More than that, I was surprised that, for instance, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic attacks can arise at any moment in one's lifetime. We're never at any point immune, we never build up a tool-kit that will prevent it from happening. Some of us, are in fact predisposed but, for the most part we're never free from the possibility it could happen to us. Not reassuring I know, but it's worthwhile I suppose to read up on the condition so you can identify it, and treat it, at the first instance.
The authors write: 'In addition to passing on their DNA or genetic material to us, our parents’ behavior impacts our ability to cope and adapt to fearful situations, beginning at a very young age. Whether our parents modelled healthy responses to stress or taught us their own anxious reactions will shape our own coping ability and temperament. A person who has a personality that is rigid, volatile, pessimistic, or insecure will likely have greater difficulty with anxiety than a more resilient, optimistic, and self-confident individual.'
It makes sense but not everyone is capable intrinsically to see their behaviour as wrong or excessive or unhealthy. Not someone who sees it as a personality trait, part of their nature... This is why it was interesting to me, because in many cultures outside of the Western, some of these anxiety conditions wouldn't be regarded as disorders. And we can't always know whether a child is subconsciously mimicking their mother's or sister's behaviour or, whether the child is behaving genuinely.... The same is true of how anxiety presents itself: mostly through physical symptoms- fatigue, racing heart, muscle tension. It can be difficult then, to know the true condition is in the mind.
This book offers an interesting analysis of all the different types of anxiety and, thoughtful information for anyone interested. For a guide so small, it certainly is comprehensive and serves as far more than just an introduction. Written reassuringly, and not in any way anxiety-inducing, the authors deliver an informative resource. I recommend this read.
A final note from Dr. Small and Vogen:
'There are a variety of reasons that one out of every three people suffering from an anxiety disorder never receives adequate treatment. Anxiety patients generally avoid stress [....]most patients find it stressful to see the doctor [...] A shortage of mental health professionals, difficulty diagnosing anxiety disorders, denial about the severity of symptoms, and the perception that nothing can be done to help also contribute to undertreatment. [....] research has shown that untreated anxiety disorders can diminish a person’s ability to function even more than many medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
I received this book through NetGalley for review cobsideration. All opinions are honest and completely my own.
I studied psychology for some years so I had a lot of the understanding already but there was more to learn. For instance, with most anxiety-related mental health conditions, women are twice as likely to be affected than men. I'd have liked a thorough discussion on why this is but will have to look elsewhere. While I also had some knowledge of the condition from a few people I'm close to (with the condition), I never recognised it. In fact, when they shared it with me I was taken aback. Of course I'm not exactly qualified to identify it, but I have learned that this is something that is quite invisible- all in one's head.
Further, I had no idea that for an anxiety sufferer, their worries are magnified, and become nearly all-consuming. An incredibly scary thought! But, I think, with Dr Small and Vogen's frequent advice, sharing of tips and coping mechanisms, sufferers can find some form of relief. Or, at least a fully-formed idea of what it is they're experiencing and what is available.
More than that, I was surprised that, for instance, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic attacks can arise at any moment in one's lifetime. We're never at any point immune, we never build up a tool-kit that will prevent it from happening. Some of us, are in fact predisposed but, for the most part we're never free from the possibility it could happen to us. Not reassuring I know, but it's worthwhile I suppose to read up on the condition so you can identify it, and treat it, at the first instance.
The authors write: 'In addition to passing on their DNA or genetic material to us, our parents’ behavior impacts our ability to cope and adapt to fearful situations, beginning at a very young age. Whether our parents modelled healthy responses to stress or taught us their own anxious reactions will shape our own coping ability and temperament. A person who has a personality that is rigid, volatile, pessimistic, or insecure will likely have greater difficulty with anxiety than a more resilient, optimistic, and self-confident individual.'
It makes sense but not everyone is capable intrinsically to see their behaviour as wrong or excessive or unhealthy. Not someone who sees it as a personality trait, part of their nature... This is why it was interesting to me, because in many cultures outside of the Western, some of these anxiety conditions wouldn't be regarded as disorders. And we can't always know whether a child is subconsciously mimicking their mother's or sister's behaviour or, whether the child is behaving genuinely.... The same is true of how anxiety presents itself: mostly through physical symptoms- fatigue, racing heart, muscle tension. It can be difficult then, to know the true condition is in the mind.
This book offers an interesting analysis of all the different types of anxiety and, thoughtful information for anyone interested. For a guide so small, it certainly is comprehensive and serves as far more than just an introduction. Written reassuringly, and not in any way anxiety-inducing, the authors deliver an informative resource. I recommend this read.
A final note from Dr. Small and Vogen:
'There are a variety of reasons that one out of every three people suffering from an anxiety disorder never receives adequate treatment. Anxiety patients generally avoid stress [....]most patients find it stressful to see the doctor [...] A shortage of mental health professionals, difficulty diagnosing anxiety disorders, denial about the severity of symptoms, and the perception that nothing can be done to help also contribute to undertreatment. [....] research has shown that untreated anxiety disorders can diminish a person’s ability to function even more than many medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
I received this book through NetGalley for review cobsideration. All opinions are honest and completely my own.
December 17, 2018
4 stars.*
As a functioning high-anxiety person, I tend to scoff at books that purport to cure or answer this complex issue.
As the parent of a high-anxiety teen, I find myself seeking answers and methodology that might help me to help her.
Dr. Small's Guide to Anxiety breaks down the basic ins & outs of Anxiety (as an umbrella diagnosis) and then goes deeper into various sub-groups and issues often plaguing high-anxiety individuals.
I liked his no-nonsense tone-the book doesn't rely too heavily on medical jargon but goes deep enough to ease one's mind that it's not a book advocating magical thinking. I particularly like that he doesn't shy away from discussing successful combinations of traditional medical treatments and non-medical treatment.
I'll be using this as a reference and will recommend it for sure.
*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
As a functioning high-anxiety person, I tend to scoff at books that purport to cure or answer this complex issue.
As the parent of a high-anxiety teen, I find myself seeking answers and methodology that might help me to help her.
Dr. Small's Guide to Anxiety breaks down the basic ins & outs of Anxiety (as an umbrella diagnosis) and then goes deeper into various sub-groups and issues often plaguing high-anxiety individuals.
I liked his no-nonsense tone-the book doesn't rely too heavily on medical jargon but goes deep enough to ease one's mind that it's not a book advocating magical thinking. I particularly like that he doesn't shy away from discussing successful combinations of traditional medical treatments and non-medical treatment.
I'll be using this as a reference and will recommend it for sure.
*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
November 10, 2018
4 stars
*Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This was a very informative little book on a few of the most common mental health conditions people are faced with, covering anxiety, depression, phobias, and OCD. An abundance of useful information is provided for each of them, such as what it is, the different levels/forms and the symptoms to look out for, why it can occur and the different methods of treatment that are available, including herbal supplements, medications, self-help activities, lifestyle changes, professional support services, and alternative therapies. I think it could be beneficial for some.
*Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This was a very informative little book on a few of the most common mental health conditions people are faced with, covering anxiety, depression, phobias, and OCD. An abundance of useful information is provided for each of them, such as what it is, the different levels/forms and the symptoms to look out for, why it can occur and the different methods of treatment that are available, including herbal supplements, medications, self-help activities, lifestyle changes, professional support services, and alternative therapies. I think it could be beneficial for some.
March 22, 2021
This book was great!
I chose this book because it discusses the disorders that cause anxiety and how to treat it and I have severe phobic disorders, social anxiety disorders, possibly OCD and I think I'm diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder and I think it would be helpful for anyone with a possible anxiety disorder of some sort to read and I found that it was helpful when they listed the different meds that treat the different disorders was helpful so I could suggest my doctor possibly put me on some of them. This book was all around very helpful to me and I found out CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) helps treat all anxiety disorders.
I chose this book because it discusses the disorders that cause anxiety and how to treat it and I have severe phobic disorders, social anxiety disorders, possibly OCD and I think I'm diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder and I think it would be helpful for anyone with a possible anxiety disorder of some sort to read and I found that it was helpful when they listed the different meds that treat the different disorders was helpful so I could suggest my doctor possibly put me on some of them. This book was all around very helpful to me and I found out CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) helps treat all anxiety disorders.
February 27, 2019
This is a good resource for a person who struggles with anxiety. This may be a small guide but does contain a lot of information. There is a variety of tips and methods to help you deal with the different types of anxiety.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
June 23, 2019
A very informative book that is bordering on clinical. It is very factual and does not feel like. Self help book but more of a guide to understanding the condition and what the treatment options are. Certainly helpful for those suffering but also loved ones and maybe even managers or HR for employees support
September 16, 2019
The title may include the adjective ‘small’ but this book is concise as well as full of useful options
to try in order to defeat anxiety, including self help and methods requiring help from professionals. I would definitely recommend it if you are a sufferer or know someone who suffers. With thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to provide my review.
to try in order to defeat anxiety, including self help and methods requiring help from professionals. I would definitely recommend it if you are a sufferer or know someone who suffers. With thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to provide my review.
June 3, 2020
I received a copy of this book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
There are many books out there on mental health and anxiety. Do I feel like this book brought anything new to the topic? No. Most of the information is on the internet. However, I did enjoy the straight forward content from Dr. Gary Small.
There are many books out there on mental health and anxiety. Do I feel like this book brought anything new to the topic? No. Most of the information is on the internet. However, I did enjoy the straight forward content from Dr. Gary Small.
December 8, 2018
A little book looking at all the various kinds of anxiety and anxiety disorders and the treatments that have been found to be effective for each specific disorder. It was a good little primer for anyone who wants to know more about anxiety.
May 3, 2019
An expert tackle on the broad definition of anxiety and it's means for overcoming it in form medicine,herbal or physical practice.
May 7, 2019
Helpful information here, a bit repetitive but not an obnoxious self help book trying to be funny and trendy.
September 20, 2019
Lots of good information in concise chapters.
October 26, 2018
Dr. Gary Small is a professor at UCLA Semel Institute for neuroscience and human behavior in psychiatry in aging.He also invented the first brain scan to allow doctors to see evidence of Aging and Alzheimer's disease in people that are living. Dr. Gary Small has written several best-selling books.
The Small Guide to Aniexty is a easy to read book that discusses causes and goes over treatments and therapies. If you or a loved one have anxiety you should read this book. It offers very useful information and new things that have recently been discovered.
The Small Guide to Aniexty is a easy to read book that discusses causes and goes over treatments and therapies. If you or a loved one have anxiety you should read this book. It offers very useful information and new things that have recently been discovered.
November 14, 2018
Very helpful and insightful book. Many very good tips and methods to help with anxiety, which I feel will be very helpful to many people. I enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2018
3.5***
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were sections of this book that I found to be very helpful - the sections regarding practical steps to reducing anxiety: changes to diet, exercise and brain function, apps for meditation, etc. I personally found less helpful the large chunks of text as to why someone might be feeling anxious and recognizing anxious behaviour. The latter elements would be more useful to those diagnosing patients rather than those suffering from anxious thoughts. Indeed, one might feel more anxious reading the lists of things that make others anxious!
I thought the sections regarding anxiety as a result of technology were really interesting and thought-provoking. Certainly thinking that a personal takeaway will be less time spent on devices.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were sections of this book that I found to be very helpful - the sections regarding practical steps to reducing anxiety: changes to diet, exercise and brain function, apps for meditation, etc. I personally found less helpful the large chunks of text as to why someone might be feeling anxious and recognizing anxious behaviour. The latter elements would be more useful to those diagnosing patients rather than those suffering from anxious thoughts. Indeed, one might feel more anxious reading the lists of things that make others anxious!
I thought the sections regarding anxiety as a result of technology were really interesting and thought-provoking. Certainly thinking that a personal takeaway will be less time spent on devices.
did-not-finish
December 4, 2018This is a handy little guide for those who really know little to nothing about anxiety. It covers all the basic information - the causes, the treatments, etc. - in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner. However, it really never goes beyond the basics. So, for a reader who has already read up on anxiety, been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, tried medication/therapy/alternative treatments, etc., it doesn't really provide any new information. In fact, basically all of the information in this book can be found in a combination of Wikipedia and WebMD articles.
January 25, 2019
I really liked this book. The explanations are easy to understand and well documented with "bullet-point" boxes that I found helpful. Having anxiety myself, I found some new ideas and details. Perfect for the beginner as well as anyone who wants a comprehensive view on anxiety !
Many Thanks to Humanix and NetGalley for a detailed, understandable read about a common concern.
Many Thanks to Humanix and NetGalley for a detailed, understandable read about a common concern.
January 31, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this book, as I have a history with anxiety. It was a good book, easy to read, and gave such great advice to deal with different 'disorders' like panic attacks, social anxiety, obsessive thinking, and insomnia (which I do suffer from) to name a few. I enjoy Gary Small's teachings.
#TheSmallGuideToAnxiety #NetGalley
#TheSmallGuideToAnxiety #NetGalley
February 13, 2019
The Small Guide to Anxiety is a book full of BIG advice. This is a GREAT book if you or someone you know, or even if you just want to understand the different types of anxiety’s and depression. This small book is full of big ideas to help one cope with their anxiety.....it really will help one to understand what someone who has anxiety is making your loved one do things, like anger, sometimes it’s really not anger....it could be one responding to their body because they are having anxiety. Great, great read!!!! Gary Small is one author i will be following, he knows his stuff! :) enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews