Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder For Dummies [Paperback]

Charles H. Elliott (Author), Laura L. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0470293314 | ISBN-13: 978-0470293317 | Edition: 1

Arguably one of the most complex emotional disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is surprisingly common. Furthermore, most people at some time in their lives exhibit a smattering of OCD-like symptoms.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder For Dummies sorts out the otherwise curious and confusing world of obsessive compulsive disorder. Engaging and comprehensive, it explains the causes of OCD and describes the rainbow of OCD symptoms. The book shows readers whether OCD symptoms represent normal and trivial concerns (for example, a neat freak) or something that should be checked out by a mental health professional (for example, needing to wash hands so often that they become raw and red). In easy to understand steps, the authors lay out the latest treatments that have been proven to work for this disorder, and provide practical and real tools for living well long-term. Whether you or someone you care about has this disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder For Dummies gives you an empathic understanding of this fascinating yet treatable mental disorder.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Understand OCD, get the help you need, and start feeling better

Are you — or is someone you love — struggling with OCD? This reassuring, comprehensive guide explains this disorder in clear language, providing the latest information on treatment to help you in the journey from diagnosis to recovery. You'll find the motivation you need to change, tips for handling day-to-day life, and the best ways to offer support to loved ones.

• Learn the ins and outs of OCD — its causes, various forms, symptoms, and the major approaches to treatment

• Improve your way of thinking — connect the dots between triggers, thoughts, and feelings, and dismantle OCD beliefs

• Undo OCD behavior — identify your fears, open yourself to change, delay or alter rituals, and handle setbacks

• Evaluate medications — discover the pros and cons, explore the options, and know when to combine, decrease, or stop medications

• Manage the OCD mind — accept negative thoughts and feelings and connect with the here and now

• Target specific symptoms — from doubting and checking to symmetry and counting to shame and superstitious thinking, apply techniques for overcoming various types of OCD

• Assist others with OCD — recognize symptoms in children and find professional help, support family and friends, and reinforce the right things

Open the book and find:

• Plain-English explanations of the disorder and its symptoms

• The difference between obsessions and compulsions

• Ways to change OCD thinking and behavior

• How to choose the right mental-health professional

• The latest scientifically based research on treatment

• Tools to help track progress

• The warning signs of relapse and how to handle it

• Tips on treating OCD-related disorders

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470293314
• ISBN-13: 978-0470293317
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A life line for the obsessive-compulsive and associates April 12, 2009

By Susan Zorn, PhD

Format:Paperback

As a therapist and a somewhat obsessive-compulsive type myself, I started out wondering what this book could teach me, and, better yet, what it could offer my OCD clients. I ended up mesmerized by each chapter! What a wealth of knowledge the authors have put together. The book is humorously written and very thorough in its description of OCD and related disorders. However, the most rewarding part of the book is the "nuts and bolts" description of treating OCD. So often books go into all the nuances of a problem without actually providing treatment solutions. Drs Smith and Elliott are masterful in their presentation of cutting-edge treatments. Both patients and therapists will enjoy this book and find it extremely helpful in handling OCD.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Top-notch treatment of a complex subject March 21, 2009

By Brenda Wolfe

Format:Paperback

Drs. Smith and Elliott have taken a complex topic and intelligently broken it down into understandable segments. Not only do they explain this often debilitating disorder in an easy-to-follow (and often funny) fashion, but they offer hope to those afflicted with OCD. I recommend this book to both patients and providers. It is top-notch!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart book December 21, 2008

By Janice K. Griffin

Format:Paperback

OCD for Dummies is a comprehensive compilation of the many facets of this debilitating disorder. The authors covered a lot of ground with excellent organization as well as humor. One of my favorite sections is the differential diagnoses called the 'relatives and associates of OCD'. The cheat sheets are easy to use and understand.