Phobias - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Combining popular appeal with accessibly written entries suitable for research projects, this fascinating encyclopedia provides a thorough introduction to the psychological and scientific aspects of phobias.

Many people have irrational fears. Phobias affect about 19 million Americans each year. So is fear "normal"? At what point do fears become clinical phobias? Phobias: The Psychology of Irrational Fear is the definitive volume on a broad range of topics related to fears and phobias. After an introduction to the subject of fear and phobias, the encyclopedia presents approximately 200 A-Z, cross-referenced entries that address phobias from a variety of angles-types of fears, root causes, physiological and psychological effects, classification, and treatments.

The work presents accurate, authoritative, and up-to-date information based on scientific evidence. The majority of the numerous contributors are anxiety disorder researchers and clinicians who possess cutting-edge knowledge of their areas of expertise. Ideal for both high school students and general audiences, readers will be engaged by high-interest content that not only details and explains various phobias but enables them to trace the history, theories, and practices associated with the study and treatment of phobias.

Review Quotes

The text serves multiple purposes as a quick reference source and as a starting point for in-depth research on phobias; it could also be used as a supplemental textbook for introductory psychology courses. The index allows readers to easily locate discussion about specific phobias that do not merit their own entries. This book fills a niche alongside related resources. . . . Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers; professionals/practitioners.
Choice

This work would be useful to public libraries, as it provides introductory information for the layperson on concepts and theories related to phobias as well as information about the phobias themselves.
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About the Author

Irena Milosevic is a clinical psychologist at the Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and an assistant professor (part-time) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, both in Hamilton, Canada.

Randi E. McCabe is director of the Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre and psychologist-in-chief at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, both in Ontario, Canada.