Product Description
If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chances are that your persistent obsessive thoughts and time-consuming compulsions keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. But when you are in the habit of avoiding the things you fear, the idea of facing them head-on can feel frightening and overwhelming. This book can help.

The OCD Workbook has helped thousands of people with OCD break the bonds of troubling OCD symptoms and regain the hope of a productive life. Endorsed and used in hospitals and clinics the world over, this valuable resource is now fully revised and updated with the latest evidence-based approaches to understanding and managing OCD. It offers day-to-day coping strategies you can start using right away, along with proven-effective self-help techniques that can help you maintain your progress. The book also includes information for family members seeking to understand and support loved ones who suffer from this often baffling and frustrating disorder. Whether you suffer with OCD or a related disorder, such as body dysmorphic disorder or trichotillomania, let this new edition of The OCD Workbook be your guide on the path to recovery.

This new edition will help you:

Product Description
Most children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are diagnosed between the ages of ten and twelve-right on the cusp of their adolescent years. Yet, until now, there have been no resources available for the substantial population of teens suffering with the unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and rituals (compulsions) characteristic of OCD. Free from OCD is an Instant Help workbook designed to correct that problem.

The activities in this book help teens and parents work together to assess the severity of the symptoms and offer teens cognitive behavioral skills to overcome them. Teen readers learn essential information about the biology and dynamics of OCD, then discover a multitude of skills for moving beyond the most common types of obsessions and compulsions: hand washing, checking, counting, ordering, repetition of mental acts, fear of harm to self or family, fear of germs or diseases, fearing of losing something valuable, and perfectionism. The last section explains exposure and response prevention and invites the reader to understand and prepare to undergo this process. Both imagined and real-life exposure and response prevention exercises are included to help teens with OCD make dramatic gains in symptom management and improve their confidence to move forward in treatment. ... Read more

Product Description
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most commonpsychiatric problems faced by children, although frequently notdiagnosed or treated. Many children diagnosed with OCD also turn out tohave other brain-based disorders, particularly ADD/ADHD. Childhood OCD can be a truly debilitating disability, not just a minorproblem or personality quirk. Children with OCD experience extremeanxiety and embarrassment. Their OCD symptoms often prevent them frombuilding good relationships, from achieving their best in school, andfrom having a normal childhood. The effects of this disruption can bepainful and lifelong.The good news is that OCD is very treatable. Obsessive-CompulsiveDisorder helps parents:

Secure a diagnosisManage family lifeUnderstand medical interventionsExplore therapeutic and other interventionsGet care with an existing health plan, even with no coverage of"mental disorders"

Author Mitzi Waltz presents a superior guide on thiscomplex neurological illness, with thorough and thoughtful attentionto every subtopic imaginable: causes; consequences; diagnosis(including rare conditions and related disorders); therapeutic,medical, and alternative intervention; insurance issues; schooling;and transitions. Each chapter reads easily as it unravels theintricacies associated with OCD, but never sacrifices detail. Mosthelpful are Waltz's comprehensive list of medications (includinggeneric names, side effects, known interaction hazards, and specialtips), her critical chapter on the turbulent school years, and theresource section that includes the Children's Yale-Brown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale for assessing symptoms. Herself the mother of twochildren diagnosed with OCD, Waltz speaks candidly, empowering parentsto make critical choices for their child's treatment and to employsuccessful coping skills for daily living. Her opinions--and thosequoted from parents traveling the same road--offer additional,firsthand knowledge that smartly supports eachtopic. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Help for Children andAdolescents is an extremely valuable tool for parents, teens withOCD, and child therapists as well. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An encouraging, enlightening and hope-filled place to start
When my child was diagnosed (finally--after years of "knowing" something was wrong, after years of professionals being evasive or rude)this was the first book I turned to, and it filled both me and my child with hope.It's a fantastic overview and resource written in a clear yet intelligent style.The Yale-Brown scale is extremely helpful.The list of medications found to alleviate symptoms was helpful (and occasionally cautionary--a good heads-up for when doctors get goofy perscribing).The list of resources, including newsgroups, web sites, meetings, is great--there are others out there...lots!The section that deals with co-morbid conditions was helpful, too.A great overview, with a tone that will calm a frantic parent, and bring a family up to speed for their newly-diagnosed child--so good that years later, we still have it on our shelf and refer to it often.

Good indepth Help
There seems to be few OCD related books availible in the United Kingdom, I ordered this book from the USA and was not disappointed. We needed a reference book to help with my sons condition, this book certainly fits the bill, Buy It!

Great book on helping kids with OCD!!
This is the only book I've found that covers everything about OCD in kids, including dealing with it in the family and at school. The parts on therapy and medications are very thorough, but it goes way past just the medical stuff. I have read some of the books written for doctors but this is down to earth and written for PARENTS--makes it easy to understand the choices you have to help your child. ... Read more

Product Description
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a relatively common psychological problem. The symptoms--which can be seriously disabling in extreme cases--can include excessive hand-washing or other cleaning rituals, repeating checking, extreme slowness, and unwanted, repugnant intrusive thoughts.

This book covers the nature, symptoms, causes, and theories of OCD. It discusses the treatments that are available and provides valuable practical advice to those who may need help. Numerous case histories are given throughout the book, highlighting various aspects of the disorder and its treatment. There are in-depth sections on scrupulosity, culture and OCD, mental pollution, OCD in children, and on the similarities and differences between childhood OCD and an autistic disorder.

This fourth edition has been updated with succinct explanations of recent research, information on treatment advances, and the recent expansion of treatment services for anxiety disorders, including OCD, in the NHS. Stanley Rachman gives a clear account of the nature of obsessive-compulsive problems, which are useful for sufferers and their families, as well as general readers interested in finding out more about the disorder. ... Read more

Product Description
Keynote Speaker, 2010 International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Annual Conference and Member IOCDF Speakers Bureau.  Shannon Shy is a senior civilian attorney with the Department of the Navy and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Lieutenant Colonel. In 1997, while on active duty with the Marines, he was diagnosed with a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder or "OCD." His OCD had become so severe he became practically non-functioning. He constantly found himself in a seemingly endless loop of intrusive and irrational thoughts, mental anguish, physical pain, and odd behaviors. It got to the point where he secretly and repeatedly thought that suicide would be better than the anguish, embarrassment, and the pain. While he had suspected for several years that he had some disorder, he was afraid to admit it to anyone and afraid to be diagnosed. He had concluded that doing so would cause him to lose his career and his wife and two young sons. Finally, after some nudging from his wife and a colleague and after one very memorable OCD episode, he called a psychiatrist. With the aid of doctors, medication, and behavioral therapy, he developed an effective behavioral strategy (what he calls "Ground Rules and Checkpoints") to manage his OCD. He now lives a very happy and productive life and has for many years--without medication and without doctors. OCD no longer adversely affects him. This book is about how a young Marine officer, attorney, and family man faced and overcame a relentless "enemy" called OCD. It is a story about struggle, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. This book is not intended as medical advice. Rather, it provides hope, comfort, confidence and insight to some practical techniques for those suffering from OCD and for those trying to help someone with OCD. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

It'll Be Okay
It'll Be Okay is a story of healing and triumph over Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). As a Marine, Shannon Shy was the picture of strength and confidence. No one was more outgoing and fun loving.

Then, without warning, OCD began robbing Shannon of himself. Like many OCD sufferers, he developed a variety of compulsions including mistaking everyday objects along the side of the road for dead bodies, worrying that parked cars could contain injured people, needing to make sure that people were treating their children properly, and the dreaded hand washing routine. Often, it took Shannon hours to just get to work.

Terrified that admitting that he had a problem meant he'd lose his livelihood, Shannon tried everything to fight his compulsions. Fortunately, he eventually found help. Through medication and behavioral modification, he came to grips with OCD. Today, he is medication free and handles any stray OCD thoughts with a series of steps that he shares with other OCD sufferers.

Thank you, Shannon. So many people are afraid that admitting they have a problem will somehow make them less in other people's eyes, so many worry that their livelihood is at stake. Your story shows that getting help is the strongest thing a person can do and having your life back is possible.

Apparently Useful to OCD Sufferers
From the previous reviews, it's obvious that this book speaks forcefully and helpfully to those with OCD.
I ordered the book not because I have OCD, but because I have a friend who does, and hoped it would
help me to understand him better.If you do not have a disease, it's hard to get into the skin of one who
does.I didn't learn much new here, but it wasn't really written for me.Mr. Sly writes with compassion
and encouragement and I'm sure his achievement in controlling his OCD will be helpful to many.A professional editor would have improved the book.

It'll be okayGreat resource, great story!
I felt this book was very well written.It's heartfelt, to the point, and witty as well.I felt the book captured very well how ocd can interupt a normally strongwilled, determined, put together person that you would never think could be touched by such a disorder!As well as how he, his family and support people in his life worked to gain control again.Very well done. Very informative.

Excellent First-hand OCD Experience
As someone who has had to deal with OCD for 25 years, this personal story, with its detailed explanation of how he overcame OCD, by Shannon Shy, speaks to both my heart and my mind.It is proof that OCD can be overcome through conscious and persistent steps in learning how to view your OCD and how to manage it effectively.
People usually don't want to hear about how to "manage" a disease or condition; they want a complete cure.But the truth is that even people who do not have a disease or condition experience the same problems and challenges, perhaps to a lesser degree.My point is that everybody has stress and anxiety, times of deep sadness (depression), anger, etc.The trick is to learn how to manage the accompanying thoughts and feelings so that they don't steamroll your life.Shannon Shy shows how he has effectively done just that, and although his method of overcoming OCD may not be exactly right for all OCD sufferers, it can be tweaked and personalized and also spark new ideas on how OCD can be effectively managed.

Excellent Book on OCD
I purchased this book for my niece who suffers with OCD. She said this book was fantastic.Many of the OCD books out there don't focus on the types of symptoms she has. She said the author of this book had the exact obsessions as she has. I think it gave her a lot of hope! ... Read more

Product Description
Among the most prevalent and personally devastating psychological disorders the development of a cognitive approach to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has transformed our understanding and treatment of it. In this highly practical and accessible book, Jonathan Abramowitz presents a model of OCD grounded in the most up-to-date research that incorporates both cognitive and behavioral processes. He then offers a step-by-step guide to psychological treatment that integrates psychoeducation, cognitive techniques, and behavioral therapy (exposure and response prevention). Unlike other manuals for the treatment of OCD, this book teaches the reader how to tailor the choice of techniques and delivery modes for individuals presenting with a wide range of specific OCD symptoms, such as contamination fears and cleaning rituals, fears of harm and compulsive checking, symmetry and ordering, and severe obsessions with mental rituals. The techniques are illustrated with numerous case examples; clinical forms and handouts are provided for use with patients. A final chapter suggests strategies for overcoming common obstacles in treatment. ... Read more

Product Description
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is probably the psychiatric disorder for which most significant progress has been made on the last 20 years concerning pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions. A number of studies have shown that OCD is much more prevalent than previously thought, occurring in an estimated 20f the adult population around the world. A serious discrepancy still exists between research evidence and clinical practice and an update of this evidence and an international debate on it, as provided by this volume, is long overdue. This revised edition provides vital information on a considerably underdiagnosed condition.

• Provides accompanying commentaries by an outstanding line up of contributors
• Covers developments in diagnosis, therapy, prognosis, economic evaluation and quality improvement
• Provides an unbiased and reliable reference point

Product Description

This unique volume gives readers a front-row seat at an exciting and crucial symposium.

Recent advances in theory and treatment have significantly increased our understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Yet research on OCD generally falls in categories of either behavioral or biological, and rarely do the two meet. Concepts and Controversies in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder bridges this gap admirably. Featuring an international panel of 42 experts, this volume focuses in depth on—and presents opposing viewpoints to —the seven conceptual and practical disputes that characterize the field today:

- categorical versus dimensional perspectives on symptoms

- animal versus behavioral models

- single OCD entity versus OCD spectrum

- neuropsychiatric versus cognitive-behavioral models

- cognitive therapy versus exposure therapy

- self-directed versus therapist-directed treatment

- medication versus cognitive-behavioral therapy

These issues are presented in a debate format, with each side contributing a position paper on the topic, followed by a rebuttal from the opposite perspective. To further enrich the debate, timely chapters examine special areas such as sexual addictions, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, Tourette’s syndrome, and compulsive shopping in the context of OCD.

Product Description
Do you know about the Doomsayer? He's the guy dressed in raggedy clothes, hanging around on street corners with a cardboard sign that reads, "The End Is Near!" He's always ready to tell you that mobile phones cause cancer, air traffic fatalities are up this year, and locusts are poised to swarm the city. Having OCD is a lot like having this character living inside your head. He's with you all the time; he knows your deepest fears, and he's not afraid to use them. You try to brush him off at first, but he's so sure of himself, so persistent that you find yourself taking his proclamations to heart. And you worry--a lot. Is my cell pone giving me tumor? What about those locusts? The anxiety of not knowing is unbearable. After a while, you start engaging in little rituals to keep the Doomsayer at bay. You wash your hands three times after you make a phone call. You check the garden once, twice, three times for locusts. You get little relief from your rituals, though. Soon the Doomsayer is onto that trick, and the doubting comes back with a vengeance.

What can you do?

A lot, it turns out. Coping with OCD offers a simple and engaging program that can get anyone with mild to moderate OCD started on the road to recovery. The book begins with a crash course on what OCD is--and what it is not. You'll learn to think realistically about their condition and how it is likely to change over time. The book proposes a three-part program for recovery that uses safe and gradual exposure to distressing thoughts and situation, mindfulness practice, and techniques to restructure thinking. Additional chapters address shame and blame, depression, and maintaining progress. The book includes a helpful list of resources for further reading and additional support.

Customer Reviews (2)

The best OCD book I've read!
I have read many books on the topic, and this is the most concise, complete, and supportive book I've come across. Another GREAT book, but much longer, is Obsessive Compulsive Disorders by Fred Penzel.

Very helpful and concise
I've read about ten books on OCD and many others on anixety in general, I've found this book to be much less intimidating than some because it offers alternatives to Exposure Response Prevention which can be helpful for some, but it can also but too difficult for others depending on what type of OCD they have and how severe it is.This book incorporates some ideas of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a way that doesn't pick one over the other but pulls out helpful ideas and techniques from both.The fact that it is relatively short doesn't mean that it doesn't have much info, it is just organized well and easy to read. ... Read more

Product Description
Over one million children and adolescents in the US suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a baffling illness that can be debilitating for the child in school, with friends, and family. In this uniquely creative and heart-warming book, Dr. Wagner uses the powerful metaphor of the Worry Hill to describe OCD and its treatment clearly through the eyes of a child. Children and adults will identify with Casey's struggle with OCD, his relief that neither he nor his parents are to blame, his sense of hope about recovery, and eventually, his victory over OCD. This is the only OCD book for children and adolescents that has companion books for parents (What to do when your Child has OCD: Strategies and Solutions) and for therapists (Treatment of OCD in Children and Adolescents: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Manual). The metaphor of the Worry Hill is a common thread that weaves through all three books. These books provide families with tools of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the gold standard of treatment for OCD. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Fantastic resource for children whom may have OCD
I have clinically significant OCD and have lived with it most of my adult life. I have started seeing some of the same traits in my son. Because I want to help him as a child and therefore lessen the symptoms later on in life, I asked my psychologist what resources he would recommend for children. He recommended this book to me, probably for 2 reasons;
1) it helps children learn that there can be help for what they are feeling or thinking in a non critical way.
2) The author lives here in Rochester NY and I could see her.

We read the story 2 times now and I have to admit that he does not show the symptoms highlighted in the book as of yet. Mostly what he is going through right now is minor and may be developmental for his age. The story did strike home with me though which I enjoyed thoroughly. I had just recently fallen off my bicycle (read the book to understand the metaphore), and the light hearted hope filled message is just great for kids and even adults. OCD sufferers tend to feel hopeless and anger at their odd thoughts or behaviors. This book through a very simple and fun story helps the children to understand the thoughts or rituals are ok, but they do not need to entertain them anymore. It introduces the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and even mentions meds that may also be helpful "training wheels".

If you find your child doing rituals, withdrawn or other symptoms see a psychologist or psychiatrist and see if it may be OCD. If so, get this book as the first step in your and your child's education of the matter.

Highly recommended, thanks for reading my review.

I highly recommend
We just found out that my 11-year-old son has OCD.We had not told him because I didn't want him to feel like he had something wrong with him.Our counselor suggested that we order this book.When it came in I was so excited to read it with him.We sat down and started reading and I was asking him questions pertaining to what we were learning.At one point, he said to me "I have OCD."It was like a relief.He didn't feel bad and I think it helped him to actually put a name to what had been an ongoing struggle.We only read it once, because we try not to focus on the OCD, we got the help he needs and my son is thriving.

Tremendously helpful
I'm the mother of an 8-year old daughter diagnosed with OCD. This book opened up new doors for us in treating this disorder.It has been perfect for her, and she actually wants to sit down with me to read it. I believe that giving her obsessions/rituals an actual name and introducing her to a child who struggles with similar issues is a major step in our road to living triumphantly over OCD.I strongly recommend What to Do When your Child has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to go along with it--I ordered both and, along with my Bible, they have a home right next to my bed and already have worn pages!

Unfortunate events
We got this book the weekend my kids were going to their grandparents. I read it on the way to their house and it captivated their attention, both of them (ages 3 & 5). They listened to every single word intently and quietly. They loved the story of the boy and riding his bike up and down the worry hill. It is quite long though and my voice got a litte sore reading aloud for so long. At the end of the book, my son asked, "mommy who's book is that?" and I said "It's yours". He asked if he could write in it. The pages are black and white pictures like a coloring book. I told him he could color the pictures but not to color over the words so that I would be able to keep reading it to them. Unfortunately at Nana & Papa's house there was an accident involving water and the book so only half the book made it back. The cover was torn off and everything. I was so mad! I will probably re-order the book just because he enjoyed it so much.

Highly Recommended!
We were told by a Doctor, who hadn't even met my son, that he thought my son may have OCD.He was referred to the Child Mental Health offices in our local town and there was a 14 month waiting list!I decided to see what I could do as a Parent and I bought this book.I left it on the table and my son picked it up and read it - his initial reaction was "do you think I have OCD", I replied by telling him that I was interested in the subject as I didn't want to label his condition.Since reading the book he has come along leaps and bounds and his teachers said there has been a remarkable improvement in his confidence and his anxiety has gone! ... Read more

Product Description

The revealing story of one man's struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and his hard-won recovery

Nagging doubt: It's a part of everyday life. Who hasn't doubled back to check on a door or appliance? But what if one check wasn't enough? Nor two or three? And what if nagging doubt grew so intense that physical senses became all but useless? Such was the case for Jeff Bell, a husband, father, and highly successful radio news anchor—and one of the millions of Americans living with obsessive-compulsived disorder (OCD). Bell's frank and forthright memoir recounts the depths to which this debilitating anxiety disorder reduced him—to driving his car in continuous circles, scouring his hands in scalding water, and endlessly rewinding, replaying, and repeating in his head even the most mundane daily experiences. Readers will learn what OCD feels like from the inside, and how healing from such a devastating condition is possible through therapy, determination, and the support of loved ones.

Customer Reviews (21)

painful
A family member has OCD and I remembered hearing this guy on I think Laura Ingram show so I bought the book.The first few chapters are downright painful to read but it really shows you what goes on in someone who has OCD's mind.Some funny parts (might be funnier if I wasnt living with this) but does shed light on this and gives hope.

great perspective
It seemed to have a slightly slow start, but this was a great book, a real page-turner.I found myself wanting to pick it back up every time I had to put it down.It's very clear on what an OCD person thinks and must go through, but it's not over-exhaustive and depressing.I read other books on OCD and was afraid this would just seem like a repeat, but this is a good one.You may also be interested in "the boy who couldn't stop washing" it gives a variety of perspectives, but this one really goes into how troublesome recovery can be for a person dealing with it, while that "...boy who couldn't stop..." lacks that insight only telling you that medicine and behavioral therapy can sometimes help.

A real page turner
This is a real page turner, no joke. Jeff Bell is an amazing writer. He takes you through his wild ride of the mental anguish he experienced caused by OCD. It gave me real insight and compassion for what a person with OCD experiences from inside their tormented heads.
He enlightened me to the understanding that this is a chemical disorder, and the treatments
available for it. Thanks to Mr. Bell.
Anyone who has a loved one with OCD should read this book.

Both fascinating and frustrating memoir of one man's struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
To most people, Jeff Bell, a popular radio personality, appears confident and successful, but in reality, Jeff's world is filled with doubt--or, as Bell comes to think of it, "Doubt" with a capital D.Bell suffers from severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a potentially debilitating form of mental illness.As the title of the book suggests, Bell's OCD manifests mainly in the form of repetitive behaviors--such as checking the same thing over and over and over again...and again.Bell continues the tape metaphor throughout his book, using the "rewind" button to begin his story with his earliest memory of obsessive-like thinking at age seven or eight.He then fast-forwards through his "normal" years of adolescence, high school, and college, coming to a stop at the time of early marriage/young fatherhood, when a seemingly minor incident serves to rekindle his obsessional tendencies, setting him off into a devastating downward spiral.Over the course of the next year, Bell continues to decompensate as his obsessions expand and his compulsive behaviors increase.

Bell eventually enters treatment with a cognitive behavior therapist, and using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication---a treatment option which Bell had been very reluctant to pursue---Bell does make significant progress.In fact, he is feeling so well that he undergoes a major job change, moves with his family to another city, and goes off his medication, believing he is done with OCD for good.As one might expect, the latter turns out not to be the case, and Bell finds that his symptoms return with a vengeance.Although he does resume work with his CBT therapist, he comes to realize a need to develop a more comprehensive, personalized approach to his own recovery.In the book's Epilogue, which takes place seven years after the conclusion of Bell's self-help project, Bell admits that he will always have OCD, but for the most part, he has reached a point where he is the one controlling his life, not the disorder of Doubt.

Overall, this book provides a fascinating portrait of OCD.As a psychologist, I found it particularly intriguing to view this disorder from the patient's perspective, although I sometimes found myself frustrated by Bell's resistance to treatment.Still, I eagerly devoured Bell's captivating story and quickly made my way through this entire book.Rewind, Replay, Repeat would be particularly appropriate for those suffering from OCD, as it would provide both kinship and comfort, but I would highly recommend this mesmerizing book to anyone who is curious about this disorder.

I enjoyed this book very much
This was a very well written book. It gives good insight into the struggles that those with OCD deal with daily. ... Read more

Product Description
Integrating modern science and medicine with alternative and self-help therapies, this comprehensive volume updates current knowledge on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -- offering practical advice for specific and appropriate patient care. ... Read more

Product Description
Clinical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders in Adults and Children is a complete, comprehensive overview of OCD, covering its underlying causes, manifestations and treatment. The book begins by covering the basic science of OCD and its biological basis and mechanisms. It discusses the treatment for both adults and children with an emphasis on providing information for clinicians to use in their everyday practice. Using the latest information regarding evidence-based treatments, it takes the reader through medication options, including behavioural therapy, support groups and recent developments in surgical treatment. The clinical manifestations of OCD are covered, as well as the differentiation between OCD and other neuropsychiatric disorders with similar presentations. Chapters on spectrum illnesses including body dysmorphic disorder, impulse control disorders such as trichotillomania, and hoarding are also included. This book will appeal to all mental health professionals, from practitioners to researchers, working in the field of compulsive disorders. ... Read more

Product Description
As many as 1 in 30 adults and 1 in 100 children currently suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is much more common than was previously thought, with up to 2 million people being affected in the UK. Sufferers experience intrusive thoughts and anxieties resulting in compulsive behaviour that can seem bizarre to those that have no experience of the disorder. Why would someone feel compelled to touch the four walls of a room in a clockwise fashion as soon as he enters it? Why would someone look at an object 3 times with his right eye, followed by his left eye?OCD sufferers are aware that these rituals are excessive and irrational, but they cannot control their behaviour. They are plagued by intrusive thoughts that they cannot banish from their mind and are often tormented by these thoughts which they find profoundly disgusting or upsetting. The cause of OCD is still not known, but it does appear to run in families and can occur together with other disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and Tourette s syndrome.Dr Frederick Toates, an experimental psychologist relates his own experiences of obsessional neurosis and his successful quest for a cure in th ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A fascinating personal/ professional account
This book is guaranteed to be of interest to anyone suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as well as for those living with sufferers.Dr Toates's combination of personal and professional insight into the condition makes for a unique and comprehensive read.The attention to detail in relation to subtle behavioural traits will have any sufferer saying "hey, I do that!" and it is this kind of approach that is so important in making people who live with the "secret illness" know that they're not alone.
Definitely a worthwhile buy.

A Pleasure To Read
This book is not only informative about the condition of OCD, but it also gives an account of what OCD is like from a sufferer's point of view.The first section talks about Dr Toates' experiences from childhood to adulthood and how OCD affected him personally; the second section focuses on facts and theories of this disorder, how to manage it, and other useful information.It also includes a chapter on famous people who have suffered from OCD and how it affected them.

A superb read and one I would definitely recommed from one OCD sufferer to another.A thumbs up!

Remarkable book from a unique perspective.
Dr Toates writes a remarkable book from the unique perspective of a psychologist and sufferer of the condition he writes about. A must read for anybody affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.Ashley Fulwood, CEO of OCD-UK (www.ocduk.org)

Unique insight into OCD
This is a superb and unusual book by Toates and Coschug-Toates.It combines the personal experience of life with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) together with sophisticated analysis of therapies and causes of the condition. Frederick Toates is both a respected neuroscientist and academic psychologist, and someone who knows personally what it is like to have and struggle for decades with OCD. Written together with his wife and fellow scientist, Olga Coschug-Toates, this book mixes cutting-edge science with personal insights into day to day dealing with the condition.That combination gives the Toates' book a unique authority and credibility.The first half of the book describes Toates life from first appearance of OCD symptoms to the present day.The second half takes a systematic look at current therapies, and at what works best.The book is a potentially invaluable aid to persons with OCD, as well as to scientists and clinicians interested in understanding it.Anyone who wants to know more about the experience, treatment, or science of OCD will find this book helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
This carefully researched guided imagery audio program combines soothing music with powerful, healing images to help reduce anxiety, stabilize biochemical swings, increase strength and motivation to resist unwanted thoughts and impulses, and envision a time of freedom from the oppressive symptoms of OCD. Designed to support and enhance the cognitive-behavioral programs and medication known to alleviate this condition. 49 Minutes ... Read more

Product Description
Time-Tested Recovery Principles For OCD.

We, of Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous (OCA), have all felt the fury of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).OCD, with its crippling power, had left us physically, emotionally and spiritually sick.Here we present, firsthand, our struggles and recoveries from OCD.

Fortunately, now, the medical and psychological communities have effective treatments for OCD.For many of us, though, this wasn¿t enough.The 12 Step program of OCA has proven to be an important part in our continuing recoveries from OCD.

Here we include:

• The 12 Step program for OCD
• Endorsements from psychiatrists and psychologists
• 33 personal stories of OCD and recovery
• Resources for OCD.

Product Description
This cognitive-behavioral program for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has as its foundation the use of ritual prevention, and prolonged actual and imaginal exposure exercises. Therapists will learn the best methods for assessing OCD and formulating a treatment program tailored to their client's particular OCD symptoms. Sample lists of exposure items are provided for fear of contamination, fear of supernatural harm, and fear of causing harm to others by acts of negligence.
Sample exposure plans are also provided for washers, checkers, and hoarders. A Monitoring Forms Package is available so the client can increase self-awareness of ritualistic behavior and the circumstances that evoke that behavior.
The Therapist Guide is designed to help mental health professionals assess and treat OCD. It is divided into three sections:
o Methods of assessing OCD
o Efficacy of available treatments and how to arrive at treatment recommendations
o A guide to cognitive-behavioral treatment by exposure and ritual prevention

Additional chapters provide information on relapse prevention, dealing with obstacles to progress, and modifications for children and clients with mental retardation.
The Client Workbook provides clients with easy to understand information regarding the symptoms and treatment options for OCD. In addition, clients are educated to recognize their symptomatic behaviors and the circumstances that trigger those behaviors. Clients are given the information necessary to personalize their treatment programs. Extensive case-vignettes and sample exposure schedules are also provided. ... Read more

Product Description

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by a person's obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and their related compulsions. It affects an estimated one percent of teenagers and has been detected in children as young as three years old.

In this concise, accessible book experienced contributors provide detailed guidance on carrying out assessments and treatment for children and young people with OCD from a cognitive behavioural perspective. This approach has been developed from extensive research and clinical work with young people with OCD and associated problems. The book includes:

• an overview of OCD
• an introduction to CBT and its relevance to OCD in young people
• assessment and treatment methods
• case studies and clinical vignettes
• worksheets for use with the client.

This straightforward text provides essential direction for practitioners and trainees in a range of professions including psychiatry, psychotherapy, counselling, nursing, education and social work.

Online resources:

The appendices of this book provide worksheets that can be downloaded free of charge to purchasers of the print version. Please visit the website to find out more about this facility.

Product Description
Check Mates is an original collection of fiction and poetry written about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by the people who know best - Obsessive-Compulsives. Split between 'realism' and stories of the 'beyond', there is a diverse range of styles and genres, and a mix of rage, frustration, tears, violence, pain, heartache, subversion,love, strength, metaphysics, philosophy, friendship, hope, and even a bit of humour. And maybe - just maybe - it will knock away a few stereotypes. NOTE: Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to OCD charities. Featuring writing by:'Kristen', Rose Gardener, 'Heather', 'Kristyn', Steven Mojsovski, Vrinda Pendred, 'Sad Clown', Laura Power, Laura Chi, Jennifer Abrams, Sharon Meyer, 'Ash', Mark W. Johnson, Beth Barker, E. I. Muse, 'Rich Writer' and Ryan Arroyo Illustrations by Stephen Leaver and Richard Krecker ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This Book is Amazing!
This is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from disorders such as OCD.This is compiled of people's thoughts and feelings towards disorders.Even the shortest poem is filled with emotion, and each page will grab your attention and remind you that you are not alone.Every base is covered, thoughts and feelings that most people wouldn't admit out loud, but did for the sake of the book.This is just a collection of regular people speaking from the heart, which is what makes the book so realistic.My boyfriend has even read it to try and understand me better, and he loved every page, and hasn't made fun of me ever since because now he realized that some disorders are very hard to live with.

Interesting book for those looking to understand OCD
I have read the first section of this book "Realism."

If you are looking to gain a better understanding of OCD or if you have friends or relatives have OCD I would heartily recommend this book to you. In my case it has given me a good view into the thought processes and struggles of those I know with the disorder.

I do not normally read short fiction and never read poetry, so the format itself of this book was a little bit foreign to me. I would like to say that not everything in this book is great on its own as literature, although I do believe there are some excellent works, but it is important to keep in mind that many of these contributors are not professional authors. They are normal people who are just trying to express their experiences with and about OCD. That too is where the true value is. You do start to see themes emerge in common from the different authors that give you good insight into OCD.

Very Telling
This is a great book for those of us who do not have OCD but know or love someone with OCD. It lets you really see what it is like to live with the disorder. Very profound read, and I am wholly glad I purchased a copy. If you know or love someone with OCD this is an amazing introspective into their lives. I would very much recommend this book to anyone, whether you have OCD or know someone with it. ... Read more