Product Description

Once thought to be a comparatively rare mental illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is now known to affect about two out of every 100 Americans. OCD has recently attracted considerable media attention, including numerous major news magazine articles, television news program reports, and coverage in popular culture—notably in the UPN television series Monk. Because of this higher profile, more and more people struggling with the disorder are recognizing their symptoms, looking for information on the problem, and seeking treatment.

OCD behaviors can take a number of forms; compulsive washing, checking, hoarding, and obsessive thoughts are among the better known. Individuals with OCD can experience significant reduction in quality of life because of the disorder. They may lose the ability to work, to function socially, or even to accomplish basic tasks like shopping and driving. The good news is that a number of treatment options have proven effective at controlling OCD. This book is a great place for anyone with OCD to start looking for help.

Since its first publication in 1999, the OCD Workbook has become among the most trusted and recommended OCD resources available. More than 40,000 copies have provided help and hope to people with the disorder, and therapists have come to regard the book as a useful adjunct to their private practices. This fully revised and expanded edition includes new findings on the causes of OCD, including genetic research. It offers information on treatment options including neurosurgery, new medications, and a whole new chapter on day-to-day coping strategies for people with OCD. The new edition includes expanded coverage of related disorders like body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, and skin picking. New material on relapse prevention, OCD in children, and family involvement in OCD round out this important book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11886 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 237 pages

From the Publisher
This major revision of a best-selling classic offers the latest information about the neurobiological causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), new developments in medication and other treatment options for the disorder, and a new chapter outlining cutting-edge daily coping strategies for sufferers.

About the Author
Bruce M. Hyman, Ph.D., LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who has been studying and treating anxiety disorders since 1975. He holds masters and doctoral degrees from Florida State University and obtained specialized training in the behavioral treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder at the Medical College of Pennsylvania Anxiety Disorders Clinic under Drs. Edna Foa and Blanche Freund.Cherry Pedrick, RN, is a freelance writer with over twenty year's experience as a nurse who is dedicated to helping people make positive changes in their physical, mental and spiritual lives. In 1994 she was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which began an intensive search for knowledge, effective treatment, and management of OCD. She has coauthored many books for people with obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including the first edition of The OCD Workbook, The Habit Control Workbook, The BDD Workbook, and Helping Your Child with OCD. She lives in North Las Vegas, NV.

Customer Reviews

Excellent, concrete self-help workbook
The authors of this book set out to create a clear, understandable, up-to-date guide to assist those with OCD through the process of embarking on behavioral change. They begin by providing an overview of OCD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. However, as they themselves state, the "heart" of the book lies in Part II, which outlines a self-help program for OCD called exposure and response prevention (ERP). Based on cognitive behavior therapy, the key components of this program include exposure to feared stimuli combined with response prevention of compulsive behaviors. The authors strongly focus on tailoring the intervention program to the individual. Various worksheets are used to help readers create exposure lists, prepare for response prevention, and maintain daily progress logs; both real life (in vivo) and imaginal ERP techniques are discussed. In addition, many examples are provided in order to address the differing presentations of OCD from one individual to another.

As a clinical psychologist, I believe that The OCD Workbook provides a well thought out, structured, and practical approach to managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and its often debilitating symptoms. Ideally, this work would be performed in conjunction with a therapist, but for readers who are self-motivated, this workbook is definitely likely to provide both concrete guidance and real benefits.

Great book for clinicians and clients and non OCD
As a social worker, I'm working with an OCD client, and this book has been very helpful. We read it together and discussed the chapters. The book is comprehensive, easy to read, and has a healing tone -- not a pathological put down. This book can also be used by people not diagnosed with OCD. There are helpful hints on how to have a less stressful life and be more compassionate. You don't have to have OCD to be working too hard at some task and this books helps all with this dimension of living.

A must for everyone with OCD
This workbook is worth the little money I paid for it. It is a must read over and over.