Andrea Petersen

On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety by Andrea Petersen is not only an account of the author’s personal experience living with anxiety, but also a scientific and historical overview of the disorder’s various aspects. I found it to be a perfect combination of all three.

Ms. Petersen’s descriptions of her life when she’s caught in the throes of a panic attack, the reactions of her friends and loved ones when her fears overtake seemingly everyday activities should be eye-opening to those show more who have no understanding or experience with anxiety and comforting to those who themselves suffer from some form of the disorder to realize they are not alone. There is some validation for how they often feel and react.

The historical look into anxiety disorders and their treatments and the development and growth of medications used to treat the symptoms is fascinating and shows how far the research and medical community have come in understanding the disorder and treating those who suffer from it. The process continues as evidenced in the author’s examination of the current research being done in the area. For those readers whose minds have a more scientific bent these passages will no doubt prove fascinating. I read them, sometimes several times, but more often than not I just felt out of my depth.

On Edge is a valuable and fairly accessible book for those suffering from anxiety in its various forms and for those who love them. I highly recommend it and am grateful to Andrea Petersen for writing it. show less

On Edge is partly a memoir and partly a very comprehensive research paper into anxiety disorders. Andrea Petersen, a health, psychology and neuroscience reporter for the Wall Street Journal, combines her own experience of living with anxiety with a deep dive into research that explores the disorder. As you would expect due to Ms Petersen's profession, the book is extremely well researched and well written. In fact, I think it deserves a place on the reading lists of any mental health courses show more out there. On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety explores the history of the disorder, the history of diagnosis and treatment, the influence of genetics and what we can learn from the advances in neuroimaging. It looks at various treatment suggestions (from CBT and ACT to meditation and yoga etc.) including information on drugs. It deals with parenting and anxiety in children and young people. Petersen's research includes studies from all around the world. The attention to detail is quite impressive but the sometimes heavy research focus might not make this overly user-friendly for everybody. It took me quite a while to get through the book; the main reason being that it sometimes felt like reading for work/study rather than leisure reading. There is a lot of information to process.
But then there is Andrea Petersen's autobiographical story, which is touching, very interesting, and also brave. Ms Petersen doesn't shy away from looking at the effect her anxiety has had on past relationships or her family's history of mental health issues.
Overall, highly recommended reading if you suffer from anxiety yourself, know somebody who does and want to find out more about it, or even if you're generally interested in the subject. There is a lot of useful information, but beware if you're not used to research terminology some of this requires concentration and patience but it's worthwhile investing the time.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. show less

Andrea Petersen has battled anxiety for more than twenty-five years. A contributing writer for the Wall Street Journal, Petersen describes her tribulations and those of other family members (such as her grandmother who set her house on fire and was institutionalized). "On Edge" is a competently written and well-organized book in which the author offers an objective look at what anxiety disorders are; who suffers from them; and how we deal with these disorders now, as opposed to what remedies show more we tried in the past. The author traces the history of anxiety disorders through the ages; discusses research studies on the subject; explains how parts of the brain may contribute to making us apprehensive or keeping us calm; and touches on the various treatment options available to help those crippled by feelings of impending doom. Anxiety disorders can ruin relationships and derail educational and professional dreams; cost a fortune in medical care; and diminish one's quality of life.

The chapters that explain the physical and neurological aspects of anxiety—with their host of research studies –are, at times, a bit too technical, slow-paced, and speculative. More memorable are the anecdotes about Ms. Petersen's personal odyssey: her childhood and adolescence; a disabling meltdown during her college years; her friendships; extensive travels; and career, marriage, and motherhood. She was always worried, "scanning the horizon for danger" and anticipating catastrophe.

Petersen confirms that the brain is one of the last frontiers of scientific inquiry. There is still a great deal that we do not yet know about genetics, emotions, and the nervous system. Although it is less stigmatizing these days to admit that one needs psychiatric help, there are still individuals who refuse to consult a mental health expert when needed. In her desire to empower others, Petersen courageously and poignantly bares her soul. She shares the angst she feels when her heart pounds, her head aches, and she must flee at once, no matter what she happens to be doing at the time. Most important of all, she offers hope. Admittedly, she can afford private doctors, but even those who are less well off should not despair. They can contact such organizations as the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and look for the best resources available to treat their condition. show less

At times, when the author described her own anxiety in this book, I could feel myself becoming more anxious too. I found the discussion of academic studies intriguing, although I'll confess much of the information isn't new to me. However, it's always worthwhile to hear the message of healthy eating, sleep, and exercise reinforced in the quest for anxiety management. No magical solution emerges from this book, but it's still good reading for the anxious.