What You Must Think of Me: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Social Anxiety Disorder

A professor of clinical psychiatry and a woman whose life has been adversely impacted by social anxiety disorder provide a unique view of the condition and its treatment in this slim volume. Leibowitz, who researched the disorder prior to its becoming officially recognized in the 1980s, lends scientific heft to co-author Ford's personal experiences with social anxiety disorder (defined as ""the extreme fear of social situations that involve unfamiliar people or the possibility of scrutiny by others""). Ford is honest if a bit simplistic in relating her struggles, which began in adolescence. Prior to her diagnosis, Ford struggled with drinking, severe eating disorders and pulling out clumps of her hair. ""By hitting my lowest point, I had found the will to start fighting for life,"" she writes. Ford found a psychotherapist who introduced her to cognitive-behavioral therapy, whose treatment pulled her from her slump. Readers will find helpful charts throughout the book and an appendix loaded with further reading and contact information for advocacy groups. Thanks to its informative guide to diagnosis, suggestions for treatment and tips on dealing with the health care system, this is a must read for anyone who suffers from the disorder.