Review: Comprehensive and reassuring.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 30, 2014
I found this book on anxiety disorders by John McQuilkin very helpful in dealing with a tough situation. A cousin of mine has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and it's been hard for the family to come to terms with it.While I wanted to understand my cousin better, I was basically starting from zero as I had no knowledge whatsoever about these mental health disorders. I bought this book, as well another book on depression by this writer after a glowing recommendation by a colleague, and I've been impressed by both books.John treads very delicately, in a very friendly way, fully understanding that his readers are laypersons without much knowledge of these mental health conditions, and are basically groping in the dark, in a tough period of their lives, very worried, either about themselves or for someone they love very much.John starts off by explaining what are anxiety disorders, what are their various manifestations and types, and how to recognize their symptoms. Then he moves on to how the diagnosis of this disorder is done by experts, going step-by-step on the various things that should be known by us before going for further treatment and medication.  The treatments and therapies are described at length, in meticulous detail. John also writes about alternative treatments and techniques for anxiety such as hypnosis.The most important chapter in the book is perhaps the one on coping with anxiety disorders. How does one deal with it, joining anxiety support groups, stress management, adjusting our lifestyle – maintaining the right work/life balance, having a purpose in life, 8 hours of sleep, healthy food, exercise.A very impressive book that has been very useful to me, and will hopefully help me cope with a tough family situation better.