MICHEL J. DUGAS and MELISA ROBICHAUD Generalized Anxiety Disorder: From Science to Practice Routledge, 2006, 224 pages (ISBN: 9780415952101, $84.75 Hardcover) Reviewed by ANITA FEDERICI and MARTIN M. ANTONY The evolution of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from a residual category (reserved for individuals whose symptoms fail to meet criteria for another anxiety disorder) to an anxiety disorder with its own set of core features has stimulated advancements in the conceptualization and treatment of the disorder in recent years. With the aim of contributing to and improving current understandings of excessive, uncontrollable worry, Dugas and Robichaud offer a clear and concise formulation and therapeutic intervention for GAD. Consistent with their goals, the authors integrate current empirical data into their description of treatment in a way that is both easily accessible and clinically appealing. Written for clinicians working in the field of anxiety disorders, this book would also be helpful for novice therapists interested in learning more about the treatment of GAD. Following a brief overview of the history, symptoms, prevalence, and course of the disorder, Chapter 2 introduces the reader to the cognitive model of GAD. While acknowledging the contribution and validity of different psychobiological models, Dugas and Robichaud propose that GAD is the result of specific cognitive processes that serve to maintain and reinforce the chronic nature of the illness. Described within the context of up-to-date empirical research, four key components are introduced: intolerance of uncertainty, positive beliefs about worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. Each component is described with respect to its characteristic and essential contribution to the development and maintenance of GAD; however, particular attention is given to the unique and higher order role of intolerance of uncertainty as the core, defining feature of the disorder. Research findings are presented demonstrating the distinct relationship and predictive validity intolerance of uncertainty and chronic, excessive worry. The authors conclude that psychological treatments for GAD would be more effective by creating interventions that focus exclusively on the abovenamed cognitive components of worry, with a specific and ongoing focus on the role of intolerance of uncertainty. Before orienting the reader to the treatment intervention, Dugas and Robichaud present a chapter on diagnosis and assessment (Chapter 3). Useful as a refresher for experienced clinicians or as an introduction for novice assessors alike, the authors succinctly cover such topics as defining excessiveness, evaluating sense of control, diagnostic obstacles, and differential diagnoses. In addition to suggestions and helpful questions to ask during an assessment, a table of tips for discriminating GAD and other anxiety and mood disorders is provided as a quick reference. The chapter concludes with a review of the strengths, limitations, and guidelines for commonly used structured interviews and self-report measures. Each of the six self-report questionnaires outlined has been reprinted and added to the Appendix. The next two chapters present a general overview of treatment along with step-by-step instructions to guide the reader through the treatment protocol. Specifically, Chapter 4 presents the goals, rationale, and an in-depth description of each of the six treatment modules, which include worry awareness training, uncertainty recognition and exposure, identifying positive beliefs about worry, problem-solving skills, imaginal exposure, and relapse prevention. Chapter 5 provides specific examples, strategies, diagrams, between session exercises, scripts, and analogies to clarify and illustrate concepts. The authors highlight the importance of implementing treatment in a flexible manner; clinicians are encouraged to develop a sound understanding of the conceptual framework that guides treatment and to use the book as a guideline or blueprint for treatment. …