An in-depth look at prevalent anxiety disorders in adolescents, this book is designed for parents of teens who have recently been diagnosed with or who are at risk for developing such a disorder. It is also for other adults, such as teachers and guidance counsellors, who are regularly in contact with at-risk adolescents. The book combines scientific expertise - including information about available treatments and up-to-date research findings on anxiety disorders-with the practical wisdom of parents who have raised teenagers with these illnesses. In clear and accessible language, Dr Edna B. Foa and Linda Wasmer Andrews explain in detail each of the tour major anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder). The book includes tips on how to go about getting a diagnosis, what a diagnosis means, when and where to get treatment, and how to navigate the health care system. There is also advice on how to handle everyday life - both at home and at school - once the teen is diagnosed. Pointers on red flags to look out for and about the dangers of doing nothing are included as well to help parents and other adults deal effectively with adolescent anxiety disorders before they become debilitating.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Uneasy minds; 2. Anxiety disorders: what they are, where they come from; 3. Social anxiety disorder: afraid of embarrassment; 4. Generalized anxiety disorder: worried about everything; 5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: caught in a mind trap; 6. Post-traumatic stress disorder: failure to recover from a trauma; 7. Treatment and recovery: a close-up of the process; 8. Call to action: fighting stigma, empowering your teen; Appendix: Diagnostic criteria

Reviews

"This book is a must for any parent who has an adolescent plagued by worries and anxiety. It is unique in combining current knowledge with practical information about what adolescents experience, what can be done, and how parents can help. Although written for parents, professionals will also benefit from the book's broad discussion of diagnosis, treatment, and causes of various anxiety states. Clearly, this book reflects the vast clinical experience of a seasoned and compassionate clinician." --Rachel Klein, Ph.D., New York University Child Study Center

"In this marvelous book, Edna Foa takes pioneering work on anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders in adults and, in the context of the child and adolescent literature, applies it to children and adolescents and their families. Full of clinical wisdom and built on the best available evidence, the book will be an exceptionally valuable resource for families and for clinicians working with anxious youth. We can only hope tha