Getting Control [Paperback]

Lee Baer Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2000

Thoroughly revised and updated-the go-to book for OCD sufferers who want to master their fears and take charge of their lives

The first comprehensive guide to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder based on clinically proven behavioral therapy techniques, Dr. Lee Baer's Getting Control has been providing OCD sufferers with information and relief for more than twenty years. In the same easy-to- understand format as the original, this updated edition includes:

Cutting-edge behavioral therapy techniques

Breakthrough advances in neuroscience

Brand-new material on hoarding

Expanded sections on how families can help OCD sufferers

The latest diagnostic standards as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association

A completely revised list of resources

OCD sufferers and their loved ones will find everything they need to assess their symptoms, set realistic goals, and create specific therapeutic exercises for managing this disorder.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to Harvard Medical School professor Baer, who is also director of psychological research in the obsession and compulsion disorder clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, at least six million Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). He defines obsessions as intrusive thoughts that force themselves repeatedly into one's mind, while compulsions are acts one feels required to carry out. Many people so afflicted are unaware of it, much less able to find help, Baer argues in his book. He discusses fully the need for professional evaluation and describes the types of treatments provided to patients in his clinic, while pointing out that certain well-known eccentrics (e.g., Howard Hughes) suffered from OCD's aftereffects. Extensive chapters explore behavior therapy, medication (both approved and experimental) and their combined uses. The author also examines a more controversial topic--brain surgery, which is generally considered a last resort. But what makes Baer's valuable work stand out, beyond its breadth of information, is sincerity--and hopefulness.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Lee Baer, Ph.D., is an internationally known expert in the treatment of OCD and related disorders. He is an associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and the director of research at the OCD unit at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital. Dr. Baer is the coeditor of the leading textbook on OCD, now in its third edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Rev Sub edition (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452281776
• ISBN-13: 978-0452281776
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He did it again!, August 1, 2000

By 

L. M. Boilard (Jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Getting Control (Paperback)

I must admit I was skeptical when I started reading Dr. Baers revised edition of Getting Control. How can a book like this possibly get better? But it truly does. He has a lot more NEW information on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

As a sufferer of OCD, the first book was a life saver. This book gave me even more useful information and self help skills. I especially liked the new theory on thought stopping. He covers all the new medications approved for OCD. And other that are not approved but are showing promise. He covers the anxiety that comes with OCD and how to control it. There is more real life patient stories. That I could identify with. He even includes his e-mail address in case you would like to contact him! Again, Dr. Baur's true concern and compassion for his patients suffering shines through. This is a truly wonderful and extremly helpful book!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful and amazing book, February 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Getting Control (Paperback)

This book -- and a similar one by Joseph Ciarrochi called "The Doubting Disease" -- helped turn my life around when I was deep under with OCD. Now I am so much better, and I am forever grateful. If you have OCD then don't waste your life not reading this book.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars more helpful for some than for others, August 21, 2005

By 

gumersindo jackson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Control (Paperback)

This is a very good book for people suffering from compulsions--actual physical rituals such as handwashing, for example--but is less helpful for people suffering from "pure obsessions"--that is, ruminations without overt compulsions. A number of recent books address "pure obsessions" much better than this one.