Anxiety: A Very Short Introduction [Paperback]

Are we born with our fears or do we learn them? Why do our fears persist? What purpose does anxiety serve? In thisVery Short Introductionwe discover what anxiety is, what causes it, and how it can be treated. Looking at six major anxiety disorders, the authors introduce us to this most ubiquitous and essential of emotions.Are we born with our fears or do we learn them? Why do our fears persist? What purpose does anxiety serve? How common are anxiety disorders, and which treatments are most effective? What's happening in our brain when we feel fear? ThisVery Short Introductiondraws on the best scientific research to offer a highly accessible explanation of what anxiety is, why it is such a normal and vital part of our emotional life, and the key factors that cause it. Insights are drawn from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, epidemiology and clinical trials. Providing a fascinating illustration of the discussion are two interviews conducted specifically for the book, with the actor, writer and director Michael Palin and former England football manager Graham Taylor.1. What is anxiety?2. Theories of anxiety3. Nature or nurture?4. Everyday anxiety and how to cope with it5. Phobias6. Social phobia7. Panic disorder8. Generalised anxiety disorder9. Obsessive compulsive disorder10. Post-traumatic stress disorder11. TreatmentDaniel Freeman, one of the UK's leading clinical psychologists, is Professor of Clinical Psychology, Oxford University.Jason Freemanis a writer and editor specializing in popular psychology and self-help.A highly accessible explanation of what anxiety is, why it is such a normal and vital part of our emotional life, and the key factors that cause it