My Age of Anxiety

My Age of Anxiety chronicles Scott Stossel's lifelong battle with anxiety disorder while simultaneously exploring the history, science, and cultural dimensions of anxiety. Through research and personal narrative, Stossel traces anxiety's role in human experience from ancient times through modern day, examining its biological, psychological, and philosophical aspects. The book moves between Stossel's own experiences with panic attacks, phobias, and various treatments, and broader investigations into how anxiety has been understood and treated over centuries. His research covers the development of psychiatric medications, the evolution of therapeutic approaches, and the ongoing debates within the medical community about the nature and treatment of anxiety disorders. Interviews with scientists, doctors, and fellow anxiety sufferers provide multiple perspectives on this complex condition, while Stossel examines anxiety's presence in literature, art, and historical records. The narrative incorporates insights from genetics, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology to present a comprehensive view of humanity's relationship with fear and worry. This deeply researched work suggests that anxiety, while often debilitating, may be inextricable from the human condition and possibly even necessary for survival and achievement. The book raises questions about the intersection of personality, consciousness, and what it means to be "normal" in modern society.

Readers appreciate Stossel's blend of personal experience with scientific and historical research on anxiety. Many note his thoroughness in exploring treatments, medical studies, and philosophical perspectives while weaving in his own struggles. Common praise: - Clear explanations of complex medical concepts - Honest portrayal of living with severe anxiety - Well-researched historical context - Dark humor throughout - Makes readers feel less alone with anxiety Common criticisms: - Too much personal narrative for some seeking pure research - Can be repetitive at points - Some find the scientific details overwhelming - A few readers wanted more practical coping strategies Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (500+ ratings) "Reading this book was like having someone articulate everything I've felt but couldn't express" - Goodreads reviewer "Exhaustively researched but still manages to be engaging" - Amazon reviewer "Sometimes gets lost in the weeds of medical studies" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🌟 Scott Stossel began experiencing severe anxiety symptoms at age 10 and has tried over 27 different medications throughout his life to manage his condition. 🌟 Despite his debilitating anxiety, Stossel has maintained a successful career as the editor of The Atlantic magazine and has interviewed multiple U.S. presidents. 🌟 The word "anxiety" didn't exist in its current psychological context until the 1800s, and the condition wasn't recognized as a distinct clinical disorder until the 1980s. 🌟 During his research for the book, Stossel discovered that Charles Darwin, Mahatma Gandhi, and Barbra Streisand all suffered from severe anxiety disorders. 🌟 The author's great-grandfather was a leading figure in the Emmanuel Movement, an early 20th-century religious-therapeutic movement that attempted to treat anxiety through a combination of religion and psychological techniques.