The Confidence Book Prescription drug addiction is a hidden epidemic, affecting at least half a million people in the UK and twice that number in the USA, and ruining careers, marriages, families, and lives. With reliable information and support, however, this problem can be tackled. In Tranquillizers and Antidepressants, expert Professor Malcolm Lader suggests a number of positive ways to beat this addiction.

In The Chronic Pain Diet Book is the fruit of 15 years research into the link between food sensitivities and chronic pain. It looks at how certain foods may result in inflammation, water retention, oedema, fatigue and muscle weakness, all aggravating the pain. It also suggests a combination of foods which not only reduce the pain but lead to an unparalleled level of health and activity.

The number of people with some form of shyness has increased, and research now suggests that up to 50% of people experience it. Overcoming Shyness and Social Anxiety looks at the anthropological and cultural contexts of shyness; social development and personality; the benefits of shyness such as more committed relationships; how to increase confidence; dealing with social anxiety; finding friends and romance; and shyness and longer-lasting psychological problems.

At this time of year many people find themselves suffering from hay fever. There are plenty of conventional and complementary treatments for hay fever but what really works? In a survey carried out for Allergy UK in 2005, 73 per cent of sufferers said they'd had the problem for over 10 years but had been unable to find a treatment that could fully control symptoms. In Coping with Hay Fever, Christine Craggs-Hinton aims to provide that information.

Around a third of the population has difficulty getting a good night's sleep, tossing and turning and finally waking up exhausted. The impact on health, work, social life and relationships can be significant, and quality of life seriously reduced. Overcoming Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems helps you understand how lack of sleep may affect your life, explores the possible causes of insomnia, and suggests effective solutions that leave you with more energy and focus.

Myths and misinformation abound as to how to prevent cancer. While there is no way of saying for certain who will or will not get cancer, over the last 50 years medical scientists have learnt a great deal about its causes. In Reducing your Risk of Cancer, consultant oncologist Terry Priestman looks at factors which increase the likelihood of getting cancer, and what can be done to decrease the risk. All the common cancers, including breast, bowel, prostate, cervical, lung and skin, are discussed.