By Kathleen (Tx USA) Having "been there, done that" (anxiety),

I've read a lot of books about the subject and I can highly recommend Panic Treatment. It's an inspiring, motivating book that covers all the bases. I'd been a professional speaker for many years, traveling throughout the country giving presentations and teaching classes, then I was in a car accident and became agoraphobic. I told myself that I'd give myself all the time that I needed to heal; I'd concentrate on my writing and not travel for a while. Giving myself time to heal was a great start--I had another book published during those years (and even had a "brush" with an Oprah producer who pitched the idea of having me on the show)--but it had become easier and easier to stay home. I needed to do more. I had to "work" the ideas in panic treatment's book so I could get back in my car and drive to the mall and go to the movies and, finally, travel again. Noureddine shares his own experience with having had anxiety and having recovered from it, then addresse the various anxiety disorders, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, stress, social phobia, and generalized anxiety and gives case studies that illustrate each of them. She also discusses treatment options and shares good solid expertise, common sense, and proven exercises. Being a writer myself, I loved her suggestion to keep a diary. I also liked the idea of labeling the anxiety and paying careful attention to the thoughts and behaviors that trigger it. I worked the program myself rather than with a therapist, although I did attend a peer support group for a while. And yes, it was a challenge to drive to those meetings, but they were so helpful and necessary! At one time my anxiety had become so pervasive that I found myself wondering who I'd be without it. Noureddine even addresses that issue in the chapter, "Becoming Acquainted with the New You." Today I'm feeling better than I have in years. Read Panic Treatment for a clearer understanding of anxiety and for the proven, practical guidelines for getting on with your life.

Thanks