By Ph.D. Nemeroff, Charles B., M.D., Ph.D. Craighead, W. Edward

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 21% of U.S. adults will experience a mood disorder at some point in their lives and 31% will experience an anxiety disorder. Yet despite the large number of individuals who are impacted, mental health diagnosis and treatment of these disorders can be bewildering for patients and their families alike. That's why the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) developed the Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders, designed to empower patients and their support networks in their quest for wellness. Structured into six sections, each offering invaluable insights and tools, the book features:

• A thorough description of various mental health disorders—including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, and others—that bridges the gap between professional diagnosis and patient comprehension.

• A concise summary of evidence-based treatments for specific disorders that will help guide informed decisions toward optimal treatment paths.

• A detailed, chapter-by-chapter analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved medications for psychiatric disorders as well as new medications in development.

• An exploration of neuromodulation therapies, including electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulations, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

• A comprehensive review of evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and others for treatment of conditions such as postpartum depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• An examination of emerging treatments such as psychedelics and virtual reality therapy; discussion of caring for special patient populations, including pregnant patients, children, and elderly patients; and an overview of treatment settings, such as inpatient, residential, and community outpatient care.

With case vignettes that illustrate important information, a multitude of easily referenced tables, and suggested readings for further exploration, Anxiety and Depression Association of America Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders provides readers with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and embark on a journey toward lasting wellness.

"Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are very common following traumatic events. A trauma is an event in which survivors thought it was likely they or someone they care about could be killed or seriously injured. Trauma is more than an emotional upset or distress. People with PTSD feel haunted by the event." Chapter 20, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

"Although most people have unwanted thoughts or repeat certain behaviors from time to time, in OCD, these symptoms are distressing, can take hours each day, and interfere with their ability to do the things they care about." Chapter 8, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

"All children experience fears, worries, sadness, and mood swings from time to time, but for some, these ups and downs go beyond brief states of distress and begin to interfere with family life, school, friends, and other activities. Nearly one-third of children will develop an anxiety disorder by the age of 18, while nearly one in five will experience a depressive disorder, making these problems extremely common." Chapter 71, Children