Booklist Review

Anxiety is complicated. Though it affects about 40-percent of women and 20-percent of men at some point, it is often "hidden." In this common-sense guide, retired psychologist King and sociologist Kelly (her son) discuss how and why it can cause "day-to-day misery," underachievement in school and work, and problems with relationships. Unfortunately, many Americans self-medicate with drugs or alcohol and are without a sense of community that could reduce stress. Even seemingly positive life changes, like getting a new job and getting married, can trigger anxiety. The authors follow psychiatry's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, starting with panic disorder. Among other things, they look at phobias like fear of heights and spiders, obsessive compulsive disorders like hoarding and excessive cleaning, and generalized anxiety disorders like excessive worrying. They suggest some anxiety-reducing habits, like drinking less caffeine, exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding debt. Though they don't break new ground, the authors give good examples of different types of anxiety and raise awareness and understanding of a disorder that can be debilitating from childhood through retirement.