Grounded in current theory and treatment research, this highly practical book presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and treating health anxiety, including full-blown and milder (subclinical) forms of hypochondriasis. The current state of knowledge about these prevalent and costly problems is reviewed, and assessment methods and empirically supported treatments described. Clear, step-by-step recommendations are provided for engaging patients or clients, implementing carefully planned cognitive and behavioral interventions, and troubleshooting potential pitfalls. Important advances in pharmacotherapy for persons with health anxiety disorders are also discussed. Enhancing the utility of this clinician- and student-friendly resource are numerous case examples and sample dialogues, quick-reference tables and boxed material, and over 20 reproducible handouts and assessment forms. --- from the publisher Reviews: "This is a well-written book....a useful tool for those of us who invariably will face such cases in our professional life--the 'difficult-to-treat patients'....It is an easy-to-read book that would make a valuable addition to any clinician's personal library." --Psychiatric Services (Shahm Martini in Vol. 56, No. 9, September 2005) "This excellent volume provides a comprehensive, scholarly, and well-organized discussion of health anxiety, rigorously addressing both what we know and don't know about it. Treatment is discussed in a way that is both conceptually elegant and practically useful. Filling a gap in the literature, this is an extremely valuable resource for the student and the clinician interested in learning about health anxiety and its treatment." --Arthur J. Barsky, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School "Taylor and Asmundson, two of the most respected experts on this topic, have assembled the world's first book on treating health anxiety and hypochondriasis. The authors have achieved a perfect balance between reviewing the available research, setting forth a coherent theoretical framework, and providing detailed, practical advice for clinicians. This comprehensive book is rich in clinical case material, and is filled with helpful tables and handouts. It is ideal for practitioners, researchers, and students with an interest in health anxiety. All future books on health anxiety will surely be measured against this outstanding text." -- Martin M. Antony , PhD, ABPP, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada "Taylor and Asmundson have written a unique, state-of-the-art, and truly evidence-based book in which empirical findings and clinical applications are linked in an exemplary fashion. A wealth of information is provided on understanding and treating health anxiety and hypochondriasis from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. The book's message is aptly conveyed by its clear presentation of research summaries, practical guidelines, and case illustrations. Both researchers and clinicians will find this book a real asset. It may also serve as a comprehensive text for advanced students, interns, and residents in mental health disciplines." -Theo K. Bouman, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Contents: 1. What Is Health Anxiety? 2. Body and Mind: Biological and Cognitive Factors 3. Behavioral Factors and Their Consequences 4. Learning Experiences and the Development of Health Anxiety 5. Treatments: A Review of the Research 6. Assessment and Case Formulation 7. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: An Overview 8. Treatment Engagement Strategies 9. Cognitive Interventions 10. Behavioral Methods 11. Stress Management 12. Extending and Maintaining Treatment Gains Appendices: Instruments for Assessing Health Anxiety About the Authors: Steven Taylor, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He has published more than 130 journal articles and book chapters, as well as six books, and served as a consultant on the recent text revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). The recipient of several prestigious early career awards, Dr. Taylor is actively involved in clinical teaching and supervision, and maintains a private practice in Vancouver, Canada. His interests include cognitive-behavioral treatments and mechanisms of anxiety disorders andrelated conditions. Gordon J. G. Asmundson , PhD, is professor and research director in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada, and adjunct professor of psychiatry at the University of Saskatchewan. He has published more than 110 journal articles and book chapters, as well as several books, and served as a member of the DSM-IV Text Revision Work Group for the Anxiety Disorders. An active clinical researcher and research supervisor, Dr. Asmundson has received several prestigious early career awards. His current interests include assessment and basic mechanisms of the anxiety disorders, health anxiety, and acute and chronic pain, and the association of these with disability and behavior change. |