This volume brings together the major advances in the psychological and pharmacological treatments of health anxiety - the preoccupation with the fear of having a serious disease or illness - and relates it to a conceptual framework that provides a basis for assessment, treatment, and ongoing research.

Health Anxiety gathers together original chapters by some of the world's experts on the clinical features and current theoretical understanding of health anxiety (with particular focus on hypochondriasis), assessment issues and approaches to treatment, and clinical and research features of conditions related to hyponchondriasis or that present with hypochondriacal features. A final section summarizes the main points of the previous sections and presents an agenda for future research. Key features of this important clinical text include:

• Accessible accounts of current theories about the nature of health anxiety

• Clinically based, empirically validated treatment approaches that reflect best practice

• Comprehensive and critical coverage of important issues and a vast research literature
• Up-to-date discussion of new developments and directions for future research

All clinical and health psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists in hospital and community care environments will welcome this outstanding reference text and clinical resource. Regardless of their clinical background or practice setting, they will find this a valuable guide to understanding and treating health anxiety.

"Asmundson, Taylor and Cox have assembled a group of world class scientists and practitioners for this book. The chapters provide a wealth of information on the causes, assessment and treatment of health anxiety related disorders. I believe that their book is the most significant contribution to date to our understanding of health anxiety related disorders. Everyone working in the health field will find something of worth in this book." Ron Norton