Murray B. Stein

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent of psychological disorders. A scholarly, exhaustive work, the Oxford Handbook of Anxiety and Related Disorders reviews current research and clinical developments through synthetic chapters written by experts from various fields of study and clinical backgrounds. The handbook discusses each of the main anxiety disorders, examining diagnostic criteria, prevalence rates, comorbidity, as well as clinical issues. Neurobiological and psychological approaches to understanding these disorders are presented through the examination of such topics as genetic research, neuroanatomical models, learning theories, and more. Current issues in classification and assessment are also discussed in depth and treatment approaches, both traditional and alternative, are provided along with detailed discussions of both pharmacological and psychological approaches. The handbook also introduces other anxiety-based conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder, and looks at cultural issues and the impact of anxiety disorders in specific populations.