Padmal de Silva

Panic disorder is a remarkably common psychological condition, characterized by sudden attacks of intense fear and panic. Approximately 3% of the population will experience some aspects of panic disorder during their lifetime. Incredibly distressing, it can have an adverse effect on most aspects of the person's life, especially if chronic. This new edition of Panic Disorder: The Facts includes valuable new information on treatment and discusses the relationship between panic disorder and other anxiety conditions. It also assesses the evidence for the available treatments, drawing from the latest scientific research. Up-to-date information on the nature, symptoms, causes, theories and treatment of panic disorder is provided, all in non-technical language. The chapters on treatment give a detailed account of psychological therapy and also discuss drug treatment. Numerous personal accounts are given throughout the book, highlighting various aspects of panic disorder and its treatment and management. Though mainly intended for sufferers of panic disorder, and their families and friends, it will also be of interest to the general reader, and to health care workers who have to deal with this problem. Clearly written by two leading experts, the book will remain a valuable source of information for anyone affected by this disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common psychological problem. The symptoms - which can be seriously disabling in extreme cases - can include excessive hand-washing or other cleaning rituals, repeated checking, extreme slowness and unwanted, repugnant intrusive thoughts. This book covers the nature, symptoms, causes and theories of OCD. It discusses the treatments that are available and provides valuable practical advice to those who may need help. Numerous case histories are given throughout the book, highlighting various aspects of the disorder and its treatment. There are in-depth sections on scrupulosity, culture and OCD, mental pollution, OCD in children and on the similarities and differences between childhood OCD and autistic disorder. This fourth edition has been updated with succinct explanations of recent research, information on treatment advances and the recent expansion of treatment services for anxiety disorders, including OCD, in the NHS. In this updated fourth edition, Stanley Rachman gives a clear account of the nature of obsessive-compulsive problems which will prove useful for sufferers and their families, as well as general readers interested in finding out about the disorder.