The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition

The text of this fourth edition has been fully revised and expanded and includes two new chapters: a discussion of physical conditions that can aggravate anxiety and an overview of the use of mindfulness practice in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and some forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. As in previous editions, the book offers the most up-to-date information on medications, natural supplements, and complementary strategies that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. The sections on relaxation, nutrition, and exercise have all been updated and broadened.

The book contains a wide array of topics: causes of anxiety, coping with attacks, pharmaceutical treatments, holistic treatments, psychological approaches, nutrition, relaxation, where to find support, how to give support... the book would be worth triple its price just for the richness of information Dr. Bourne has compiled.

Add to that the excellent workbook exercises and techniques, and you have a truly indispensable resource.

I was very pleased with the presentation of the material. This book is not overflowing with warm and fuzzy, touchy-feely reassurances like many "self-help" books. Instead, it has proven, practical, self-paced techniques and exercises which you can use in your daily life, presented in a clear and easy-to-digest format. It's not a dry textbook, and it's not a bit of pop-psychology fluff -- this is a powerful tool for anyone whose quality of life has diminished because of anxiety and fear.

Good luck!


Mild diversion, but no more. An alternative recommendation.   April 13, 2004
B. Alstrom (FL)
51 out of 57 found this review helpful

I have suffered from panic attacks for 15 years. I read and utilized this workbook over five years ago. It was a temporary diversion, but not much help above that.
I continued to suffer until my anxiety and panic attacks virtually rendered me unable to drive, which of course leaves one unable to do much of anything. So my agoraphobic self startd reading every panic book on the market in addition to medication and therapy. I found all of the books to be out of touch with what I was feeling. They contained, as this one does, great clinical explanations, alternative therapies, etc. But that does not help in the middle of a panic attack. Then I attended an anxiety group meeting and was overwhelmed at the number of people who said "Read Claire Weekes!" Her books were old, so I hadn't bothered with them, I was sooooooooo wrong.
If you suffer, PLEASE read Dr. Claire Weekes books. She wrote two quite a number of years ago, so the jargon is outdated but her approach is anything but.
Her books are the only panic books on the market that can be read in the middle of an attack and actually help. In addition, absorb what she writes, listen to it, learn from it and you will be able to live at peace with your panic attacks because they stop coming. Not a cure, really, I don't think there is one. But it's the closest thing to a magic pill we anxiety sufferers have, aside from xanax. And Dr. Weekes is better.


Worked miracles   November 21, 2003
Lady Ash (Spartanburg, SC USA)
42 out of 42 found this review helpful

When I bought this book (for my best friend, who was having panic attacks) I was suffering from severe depression and anxiety. I had been professionally diagnosed, was in therapy, and was on medication; this had helped markedly, but I was still moderately to severely depressed and/or anxious every day. This book helped me get better in a surprisingly short period of time because it is specific, explanatory, and practical. Rather than relying only on one technique (like _Feel Good_'s cognitive therapy approach), it has chapters on nutrition, exercise, visualization, cognitive therapy, mistaken beliefs, emotional needs, spiritual angst, and medication. A diagnostic questionaire in the first chapter helps you to determine which chapters will help you the most.

I especially liked the fact that the book was interactive AND specific. When you're depressed, it can be hard to respond to open-ended prompts like "describe some situations that make you anxious". The prompts in this book are usually "check all that apply", True-False, "rate from 1-5" etc, which is easier to do even if part of you is resistant. Also -- every chapter ended with a checklist of, well, homework. Many books on depression and anxiety left me *knowing* more (or thinking I did) but not changing anything -- just wishing things would change! This book helped me to assume responsibility for my own role in recovering, and gave me the tools (in simple steps!) to do it.

I have given this book to at least five other people suffering from panic attacks, perfectionism, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, and they ALL, also, found it extremely helpful.

The book may not help everyone, but it acknowledges this -- occasionally it points readers in other possible directions (bibliographies at the end of each chapter encourage readers to learn more about anger, co-dependence, depression, etc, if indicated). Definitely a good place to start for anyone with anxiety difficulties of any kind. Also, don't rule it out if you have depression -- your depression might be (like mine) the inevitable result of too much anxiety.


It can really help!   May 26, 2005
A. Reader (St. Louis, MO USA)
39 out of 41 found this review helpful

I recently developed a phobia to driving on highways, one in particular. It was really bothersome and disruptive and I was angry and confused because of my reaction every time I tried to go somewhere on that route. I felt like I might "pass out" or otherwise lose control as a result of my panic reaction. The first thing this book made clear to me was that it is physiologically impossible for your body to "pass out" or otherwise lose control during a panic attack. Your blood pressure is too high to do so, and the actual emotional state is truely one of control, not the opposite, to do so. You are not going to pass out or otherwise lose control of the situation. When you feel out of control in a panic attack, you are actually in a state of high control. You must realize that and remind yourself of that fact. I used a method they mentioned, putting a rubber band on my left wrist when driving that route, and smacking myself with it whenever I felt overwhelmed. It worked. The first time I took that drive, I had 5-6 rubberband whelts on my left arm, but I drove it, I got to my destination and the panic issue was gone. I now drive that highway on a regular basis. Even if you don't do all of the exerercises in the book, you will experience results and resolution. It's worth it!