Product Description
An up-to-date review of the effectiveness of various approaches to agoraphobia. Topics range widely and include the nature of the syndrome and the part played by sex role stereotyping and social factors in treatment failure. This book should be of interest to clinical psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, mental health professionals. ... Read more

Product Description
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Agoraphobia, the fear of open spaces, has received minimal attention from sociologists.Yet implicit within psychiatric discussion of this disease is a normative account of society, social order, social ordering, and power relations, making agoraphobia an excellent candidate for sociological interpretation.Narrating Social Order provides the first critical sociological framework for understanding agoraphobia, as well as the issue of psychiatric classification more generally.

Shelley Z. Reuter explores three major themes in her analysis: agoraphobia in the context of gender, race, and class; the shift in recent decades from an emphasis on psychoanalytic explanations for mental diseases to an emphasis on strictly biogenic explanations; and, finally, embodiment as a process that occurs in and through disease categories. Reuter provides a close reading of reports of agoraphobia beginning with the first official cases, along with the DSM and its precursors, illustrating how a "psychiatric narrative" is contained within this clinical discourse.She argues that, while the disease embodies very real physiological and emotional experiences of suffering, implicit in this fluid and shifting discourse are socio-cultural assumptions.These assumptions, and especially the question of what it means, both medically and culturally, to be ‘normal’ and ‘pathological,’ demonstrate the overlap between the psychiatric narrative of agoraphobia and socio-cultural narratives of exclusion. Ultimately, Reuter seeks to confront the gap that exists between sociological and psychiatric conceptions of mental disease and to understand the relationship between biomedical and cultural knowledges.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Book On Anxiety Disorders
C.B. Scrigner's From Panic To Peace of Mind is truly one of the classics, when it comes to books on anxiety and panic disorders.

Dr. Scrigner's book is unlike most that you will find on the subject, in that he approaches anxiety disorders from a largely unbiased point of view. Most books in this category preach purely cognitive methods of combating anxiety disorders and agoraphobia, while others focus on the physiological aspects of the disease. This is one of the few that draws a balance between the two, and acknowledges that no one solution is right for everyone.

This is a pretty basic book from most perspectives, so you will not need any prior knowledge of medical jargon in order to keep up. Yet it largely sticks to a clinical overview that is aimed at doctors, patients and others who are affected by anxiety/panic disorders, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorders, and more simple phobias.

About the only downside of this book is its limited size and depth. It's a fairly quick read. There is only enough room for a fairly basic discussion of very complicated subjects such as psychopharmacology, cognitive therapy, methods of dealing with stress, etc. Still, it gives an excellent overview of these diseases, and the basic methods of treatment.

This is definitely not a book that pretends to "cure" people of phobias or psychological disorders, as many seem to do these days. What it will do is give you a much better understanding of how anxiety disorders "work" and how to most effectively treat them. For anyone with an interest in anxiety or panic disorders, this is an excellent volume to have on your bookshelf. ... Read more

Product Description
Map-III is a systematic cognitive-behavioral program, which uses behavioral self-monitoring to increase awareness of circumstances that trigger panic symptoms.Clients learn specific intervention skills, including how to slow down physiological reactivity through breathing retraining and muscle relaxing training; how to de-catastrophise through actual prediction testing; and how to lessen fearfulness through exposure to feared sensations in safe settings. The Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic - Third Edition (MAP-III) program updates, extends, and improves on the previous program in numerous ways.The material is presented in such a way that the client can understand the appropriate information in a clear and understandable manner. This edition also contains new and better-informed rationales guided not only by new scientific developments but also by the extensive experience of practitioners who have used the MAP treatment program with thousands of clients around the world. In addition, all of the monitoring forms assigned to clients have been substantially redesigned to provide greater ease of use and more relevant information.Finally, the MAP-3 client workbooks have been completely rewritten at a more accessible reading level to make the material easier for all clients to understand. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

MAP really works
Having read every other book on anxiety and book on the market, I was reluctant to pick up yet another.Much to my surprise, the MAP book was totally different and -- best of all -- by working through it with a therapist I was able to rid myself of panic attacks and reduce my anxiety level substantially.We didn't delve into my past; the focus was entirely on handling the physical and cognitive manifestations of panic.

The premise of the MAP treatment is three-pronged:to desensitize yourself to the physical symptoms commonly attached to panic attacks by deliberately bringing them on (one at a time!) in a controlled manner, to make relaxation techniques immediately accessible during an 'attack', and to work with the thoughts that often accompany panic disorder, whether or not you are aware of them.

For example, if dizziness is one of your key symptoms, then one MAP exercise is to spin around in a chair in a safe place and manner that you control to induce dizziness, then practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing right there and then.

I thought I knew all about relaxation techniques, but I was wrong.What I have learned about doing progressive relaxation, abdominal breathing, and visualizations made an immense difference.

I can say the same about the cognitive training.The trick of asking myself "what are the odds?" of a catastrophic event happening has stopped many a panic attack before it began.

In short, if you are looking for a different way to handle panic disorder and anxiety, give MAP a try.

It works
The recommendations for anxiety attacks given in this book works. If you follow what they suggest, you will re-program your mind to relax and take control of those things, thoughts or events that trigger anxiety attacks. I used this book several months ago, and I feel that at last I have a process that works for me.

Get the correct MAP-3 book
MAP works and it is more reputable than the so many popular books on panic and anxiety. BUT then you must get the correct MAP books and it seems that ISBN numbers is your only help: for the therapist isbn 0195187008; for anxiety and panic client isbn 0-19-518697-4; for agoraphobia client isbn 0-19-518696-6. All books are from Oxford. Hope this helps the detectives amongst readers to find an extremely good resource for those suffering from panic and anxiety.

I thought this was the book it is only the worksheets
Don't make the same mistake I did, I thought I was ordering the book but instead it was only the worksheets to keep track of your axiety, type, symtoms etc. They are good for keeeping track of your anxiety. ... Read more

Product Description

In this intriguing and witty survey, Paul Carter tours the cultural history of agoraphobia. By analyzing the way people have negotiated open spaces from Greek and Roman times to the present day, he finds that "space fear" ultimately results from the inhibition of movement, and shows how this discovery can provide lessons for today’s urban planners and architects. Along the way, he asks why Freud repressed his agoraphobia, and examines the work of various theorists including Le Corbusier, Benjamin, and R.D. Laing, as well as artists such as Munch, Lapique, and Giacometti.

Paul Carter is Professorial Research Fellow at The Australian Centre, University of Melbourne, and the author of The Road to Botany Bay (1987) and The Lie of the Land (1996).

Product Description
When Panic Attacks and Anxiety take over your life, a dark period begins. Worry takes over and things that should be fun are not fun anymore.When you start to avoid doing certain things, when you try to find excuses to not go somewhere or do something, this book is for you.I have had this problem for 14 years, including:- generalized anxiety disorder- panic attacks- agoraphobia- social phobia- fear of driving or traveling- a stressful feeling 24/7 with symptoms like a racing heart, a dry mouth and a red face, nausea, dizziness, headaches, a feeling of warmth going through my body, and some aches and pains everywhere in my body. The doctors couldn't find anything and all my therapist did was prescribe more pills that gave me side-effects.In 2004 I found a way out and since then I've been sharing my method with other people all over the world. It's not a miracle, it's not a magic cure but it seems to work very well for the people who give it a try.In this book you will learn techniques that will stop your anxiety and panicattacks. They will teach you how to do things again with friends and family so you can actually ENJOY everything you do instead of fearing it.I'm glad to have you on board and I wish you the best of luck! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A published infomercial
I purchased this book to aid in an upcoming flight after not flying for 2 1/2years.I was hoping it would help. I was wrong.This book is basically a published infomercial for the author's website.It was a HUGE disappointment and not helpful in the least.I'm amazed that anyone would publish it.I couldn't finish it and moved quickly on to a different book that I had purchased at the same time and found that one to be filled with information of use to me.Skip this one.Trust me.

Great Book
This book is very helpful for someone who has panic attacks. Geert knows firsthand what it is like and who but someone who has experienced panic, should write a book about how to stop it.His advice is easy to understand and put into practice in your own life. I have had panic for about 40 years and have read a lot of self help books but this one is the best, by far.I use his techniques and they do work.I have not had a panic attack for over a year.I am driving again too, thanks to this book and Geert's advice.My mantra now is "Whatever happens, it's ok."Read this book and get the help that you need with panic attacks and anxiety.

Thank you geert !!!!!!
I have suffered from panic attacks since i was 18 i amnow 29 , but for some reason the past 4 months were major waves of panic attacks ! I went to the doctors and they gave me 10mg of prozac ! It's an anti- depressant and like i told the doctor of course im depressed right now i have these anoying panic attacks ! Well after finding ilovepanicattacks.com and geert i saw the book and immedately got it ! I read the whole thing 4 nights ago and woke up feeling so good i havent had a panic attack since and when any anxiety comes i know how to stop it ! Geert exsplained things so well and i finally got off the prozac and im not as tired ! If you tryed everything else i hope you will stop and get this book it is 10 dollars that will change your life forever ! Thank you geert !!

Great Book A Must Buy
This is a great easy to read book.

Highly recomend this book to anyone who is suffering with anxiety.

Panic attacks
Thank you Geert. A really helpful little book with many practical tips on beating panic attacks, and a useful introduction to the CD and online course which is more comprehensive and even better. Some of the material can be found elsewhere, but Geert has a gift for compiling and presenting it in a way that is easily digested and applied. Definitely recommended and well worth the money. ... Read more

Product Description
“Is Fear Controlling Your Life?”

Is Leaving Home Worse Than A Root Canal?

Are You Ready To Overcome Your FEAR and Make Life Give You What You Want?

Learn How to Overcome Agoraphobia Once and For All!

If you or a loved one suffers from agoraphobia you need to know the good news.You CAN overcome it.You may have had the mistaken understanding that it is incurable.Not true!You can face the fear, surmount it and go on to live a fruitful, healthy and happy life.

We can think of nothing quite as debilitating as not being able to live without the fear of a panic attack.Someone who has no phobias can find it difficult to understand the feelings of someone with agoraphobia or, for that matter, any type of panic or anxiety attack.

Just imagine walking down the aisles of the grocery store and finding yourself in utter fear of your surroundings.Your palms become sweaty, your breathing labored and your mind begins to imagine that everything or everyone around you wish you harm.

Now picture this happening to you EVERY TIME you leave your home?Your pulse races, you feel as though you are being crushed alive under the burden of dealing with the fear.

If a stranger smiles at you immediately you are wondering what they are going to do to you or what they want.Standing in the checkout lane

Agoraphobia is just like any of the other phobias.They are a learned condition and as such can be unlearned.There are various healing techniques available and those will be addressed shortly.

There is no reason why you should suffer from:

* Shortness of Breath
* Pounding Heart
* Thoughts of Gloom and Doom
* Lack of Sleep
* Fear of the Unknown

You can stop avoiding interactions with other people, or going places or joining in situations that might result in an agoraphobic anxiety attack.With the information contained in our powerful guide you will be able to overcome your fears and frustrations.

Many books will give you suggestions about how to deal with your agoraphobia AFTER the fact.What about preventing them in the first place?Not only will you learn some of those techniques you will also learn about:

* Exploring the Agoraphobic Personality.Discover what happened to create the emotions and what to do to end the behavior

* Recovery Techniques That Work.Most people think that agoraphobia is the fear of being in public places.While that is true up to a point it’s not the full picture.We cover that inside.

* The Agoraphobic Family.The agoraphobic isn’t the only victim of the disorder.Learn coping techniques the whole family can use.

* Medications. There are mixed feelings about the use of certain medications for behavior modification.Whatever your feelings are on the subject, an objective analysis of the meds most frequently used may be helpful.

* Can Agoraphobia Be Cured?Absolutely!You will find there are numerous techniques and as you read about them at least one should work in your situation.

* Different Types of Anxiety Disorders.Agoraphobia is just one of many different types of anxiety disorders and often the agoraphobic may suffer from additional disorders.Learn what they are and how to put that information to work in your life.

* Symptoms and How to Avert Them.This is discussed at length and suggestions are provided on how to use different calming methods.

* Alternative Therapies.Conventional medicine is not the only solution to cure agoraphobia.Various alternatives have proven to be successful and we discuss those.

End the Addiction to FEAR!

Exploring the alternatives to medication should be a priority and Overcoming Agoraphobia provides you with powerful alternatives.

Just imagine how your life can change for the better.Picture how much more fulfilling your life will be when you are able to go anywhere, anytime.Travel once again becomes part of your vocabulary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Vouchsafe
I can vouch for Dr. Zuercher-White's ability as a cognitive-behavioral therapist.However, it's up to you to do the in vivo exposures that, over time, will free you from avoidance.This isn't her book for patients; this is for the therapists, although perhaps some people like to see things from the other side. ... Read more

Product Description
*Gives friends, family and support givers an understanding of anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia.
*Recommended by psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors for use by patients and their families.
*Information to help support people be more effective and aware of the special needs and feelings of those with these disorders.
*Includes hundreds of suggestions and advice from anxiety sufferers and support people.
*Descriptions and symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, possible causes and treatments.
*Tips to help support people avoid becoming overwhelmed.
*The 2nd edition has been revised and enlarged with four new chapters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Caveat Emptor.
Be very careful to think through what you read in this book. It is way too jolly in tone. This is a serious mental health disease and the "caregiver" in this author's opinion, ought to be willing to take on more than a living human being can. Should you be involved with someone with a serious anxiety disorder, I would strongly recommend that you seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in working not with the patient, but with the caregiver who has very different needs.This book is not a heavy duty work so it may serve as an introduction to someone who knows absolutely nothing about anxiety disorders.But do know, I personally don't think the author has a clue when it comes to the extreme hurt and pain that the caregiver most likely will face for a long, long time. There is no cure. There is no wonder drug.There are things that help but they have to be taken properly and often aren't. The one piece of truth here is that 80% of people married to people with an anxiety disorder end up divorced.And there is a reason for that and it's all over the pages of this book.Everything is about the patient who yes, is in awful trouble, but is not held accountable for the hurt and pain caused. Possibly the patient doesn't realize what he is doing but even so, being a figurative human punching bag is not what an untrained spouse should be forced to put up with.Many of them know no truth or human kindness and at the end don't even appreciate the care that is given.
So do find yourself more competent help than is offered here especially if you are meeting anxiety disorders for the first time, or if you are considering leaving your spouse to save your own sanity. It is a moral dilemma from hell and the subject deserves a much more serious book than this.

You Need Answers?This book is for you.
My son was recently diagnosed with GAD and associated issues that I struggled to understand. This book provides excellent insight to help lift the veil of confusion and help you begin the journey to understanding and recovery.

Basic Info
This is the first book I've read about the topic of helping or caregiving for a loved one suffering with anxiety disorders.It was helpful on a general level and was a good starting place for me.I learned a little more about what the sufferer goes thru and how I might be unwittingly adding to their anxiety.I liked the author's writing style, which was very comfortable and much like getting information from a friend who's already been on this journey.

this book may have saved my life
Ken Strong warns his readers not to be too quick to say, "Hey, that's me!" when just one or two of the symptoms he describes in his book seem to fit the reader.So, I started reading with the true intent of NOT reading too much into it.So, it was even more amazing to me when I found that just about every single symptom listed in this book describes me!I finally could identify my 'problem'.Being an anxious person my initial reaction was...ohmygod, I'm an anxious person, now what?!But, then I had an amazing sense of relief!I now know what needs attention in my life and WHY it is so important to do something/a lot of things to help myself right now.This book gave me so much peace of mind.Thank you Ken Strong for writing a reader-friendly book that may have just saved my life.

Pleased
I was not expecting to be so pleased with this book.It is extremely well written.Written in terms I understand and feel comfortable with.Many books I have read I found myself feeling ill at ease while reading them.There are also many helpful resource sites for further information. This book will be wonderful for not only caregivers / support people but also those whom suffer from various mental illnesses. I would highly recomend it. ... Read more

Product Description
A programme to shortcut complete elimination of agoraphobia by international anxiety elimination expert Charles Linden, author of The Linden Method and many other acclaimed titles.In this programme, Charles guides you through his own journey to recovery, each day sharing his realisations about his agoraphobia as he overcomes the anxiety which creates it. These real recordings of Charles' journey are supportive and inspirational and guide sufferers through a logical and structured programme.Follow Charles' lead as he walks you through the process he and thousands of ex sufferers have followed, in order to eliminate agoraphobia. ... Read more

Product Description
Anxiety-reducing tools necessary for recovery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best book I've read on this topic!
This book is well written and offers a very laidback approach to Agoraphobia. The author is a doctor who has dealt with this condition for years. He offers a very humourous view of it while giving tips other books fail to give. ... Read more

Product Description


When and how did I lose control of my life?

What am I afraid of? Why do I feel this way? Am I really going crazy? Why do I have limitations that are holding me back from living life? Will I ever be free of those limitations? Why do I feel like something is missing in my life? Why am I not happy? Why me? These are the questions I would ask myself for many years...until I finally found the answers. I created the symptoms that caused the anxiety, and I am the only person that can control it! It's been ten long years since my first symptoms began. This is my story... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Silently Suffering with Anxiety, Depression, and Agoraphobia
For those of you who suffer from depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia and are seeking helpful information, do not buy this book. The author's main concern is with her "bathroom problems" (irritable bowel syndrome) which brings forth a fear ofleaving home or being out in case she has an IBS attack and needs to find a bathroom quickly. The book apparently is self-published (Outskirts Press) and appears to be a first draft rather than a polished book. There are many spelling mistakes, errors in grammar, jumping from one subject to another for no apparent reason. In reality, the book reads more like an advertisement for a therapist's program rather than the struggles and overcoming or living with depression, panic, and agoraphobia. Don't waste your money on this book.

I could not finish this book
This book is like a commercial for Lucinda Bassets anxiety program. The author repeatedly makes the sales pitch for this overpriced program. I have never used Lucinda Basset's program but I do not like the fact that her system consists of a few cds and books yet costs $500 or $600???Why charge such an insane amount for people that need help? I don't know if the system works or not but if you are going to buy it you might as well buy it used on ebay. ... Read more

Product Description
“Is Fear Controlling Your Life?”
Is Leaving Home Worse Than A Root Canal?

Are You Ready To Overcome Your FEAR and Make Life Give You What You Want?


Learn How to Overcome Agoraphobia Once and For All!

If you or a loved one suffers from agoraphobia you need to know the good news.You CAN overcome it.You may have had the mistaken understanding that it is incurable.Not true!You can face the fear, surmount it and go on to live a fruitful, healthy and happy life.

We can think of nothing quite as debilitating as not being able to live without the fear of a panic attack.Someone who has no phobias can find it difficult to understand the feelings of someone with agoraphobia or, for that matter, any type of panic or anxiety attack.

Just imagine walking down the aisles of the grocery store and finding yourself in utter fear of your surroundings.Your palms become sweaty, your breathing labored and your mind begins to imagine that everything or everyone around you wish you harm.
Now picture this happening to you EVERY TIME you leave your home?Your pulse races, you feel as though you are being crushed alive under the burden of dealing with the fear.
If a stranger smiles at you immediately you are wondering what they are going to do to you or what they want.Standing in the checkout lane

Agoraphobia is just like any of the other phobias.They are a learned condition and as such can be unlearned.There are various healing techniques available and those will be addressed shortly.

There is no reason why you should suffer from:
* Shortness of Breath
* Pounding Heart
* Thoughts of Gloom and Doom
* Lack of Sleep
* Fear of the Unknown

Thousands of people have overcome their phobias and so can YOU!If you feel like you just can’t function as a normal person, you are dead wrong.If you can relate to any of this then by all means you need a lifeline.That lifeline is:

Overcoming Agoraphobia!

You can stop avoiding interactions with other people, or going places or joining in situations that might result in an agoraphobic anxiety attack.With the information contained in our powerful guide you will be able to overcome your fears and frustrations.
Many books will give you suggestions about how to deal with your agoraphobia AFTER the fact.What about preventing them in the first place?Not only will you learn some of those techniques you will also learn about:

* Exploring the Agoraphobic Personality.Discover what happened to create the emotions and what to do to end the behavior
* Recovery Techniques That Work.Most people think that agoraphobia is the fear of being in public places.While that is true up to a point it’s not the full picture.We cover that inside.
* The Agoraphobic Family.The agoraphobic isn’t the only victim of the disorder.Learn coping techniques the whole family can use.
* Medications. There are mixed feelings about the use of certain medications for behavior modification.Whatever your feelings are on the subject, an objective analysis of the meds most frequently used may be helpful.
* Can Agoraphobia Be Cured?Absolutely!You will find there are numerous techniques and as you read about them at least one should work in your situation.
* Different Types of Anxiety Disorders.Agoraphobia is just one of many different types of anxiety disorders and often the agoraphobic may suffer from additional disorders.Learn what they are and how to put that information to work in your life.
* Symptoms and How to Avert Them.This is discussed at length and suggestions are provided on how to use different calming methods.
* Alternative Therapies.Conventional medicine is not the only solution to cure agoraphobia.Various alternatives have proven to be successful and we discuss those.

End the Addiction to FEAR!

Get "Overcoming Agoraphobia" Now! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The product description is more informative than the book
This book did not teach me anything more than I have read on the web for free.The same information constantly repeats itself through out this manual.I feel that the product description for this book is better than the book itself.I would not recommend it to anyone...use the web to gain more information regarding phobias, anxiety and other disorders...you will learn more and for free. ... Read more