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 figures, 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. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders and previously served as Editor of the Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy and Associate Editor of Behaviour Research and Therapy. Dr. Taylor's research focuses on the etiology and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, conceptualized from a biopsychosocial perspective. His work has been recognized with awards from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, and the Canadian Psychological Association, among others. He has authored over 300 scientific journal articles and book chapters and several books.

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.