General introduction

This introductory chapter of this two-volume handbook commences with an overview of the book, which is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the phenomenology, classification, epidemiology, etiology, and clinical management of anxiety disorders. Whereas Volume 1 focuses on theory and research, Volume 2 covers assessment and treatment issues. For the most part, the different chapters of this handbook focus on the state of the art of theory, research, and treatment. The chapter provides a brief overview, providing basic information regarding the definition, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Throughout the chapter, references to different chapters of this handbook are made for more detailed information. Description of anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is presented. Anxiety-related disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and acute stress disorder.