Review
Dr. Gravitz1s book on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has been prai sed by numerous physicians, heads of organizations for dealing with the disorde r, and individuals afflicted with it. Incessant washing of hands is one often-c ited symptom of OCD. Continual arranging and rearranging of toys may be a sign of it in young children. Gravitz1s extensive work and writings on trauma a nd alcoholism as well as OCD are widely known in their respective fields. His book Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is written mainly for lay readers. As the su btitle--New Help for the Family--implies, the author deals with OCD in the pers pective of the network of the family. He doesn't identify the family as the cau se of OCD, but rather recognizes that family members are in nearly all cases im portant in an individual's overcoming OCD. The author covers the inter-related subjects of origins and causes of OCD, recognition of it, self-help, and treatm ent of the disorder as a family problem in a question-and-answer format which m ake its many facets, some of them somewhat complex and clinical, comprehensible to the general reader. For its comprehensiveness, accessibility, authoritative ness, and its compassion, the book is relevant and helpful for both sufferers of OCD and those trying to help them. -- Henry Berry Book Reviewer Editor/Publisher, The Small Press Book Review
