Are we born with our fears or do we learn them? Why do our fears persist? What purpose does anxiety serve? How common are anxiety disorders & which treatments are most effective? What's happening in our brain when we feel fear? & what are Colombian worry dolls? This Very Short Introduction draws on the best scientific research to offer a highly accessible explanation of what anxiety is why it is such a normal & vital part of our emotional life & the key factors that cause it Insights are drawn from psychology neuroscience genetics epidemiology & clinical trials Providing a fascinating illustration of the discussion are two interviews conducted specifically for the book with the actor writer director & television presenter Michael Palin & former England football manager Graham Taylor The book covers in detail the six major anxiety disorders phobias; panic disorder & agoraphobia; social anxiety; generalised anxiety disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder; & post-traumatic stress disorder With a chapter devoted to each disorder Daniel & Jason Freeman take you through the symptoms prevalence & causes of each one A final chapter describes the treatments available for dealing with anxiety problems ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable