Treating Health Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

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.

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 and related 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.