Customer Reviews

The Thought that Counts: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands' Adolescent Mental Health Initiative)

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Jared Kant's powerful, candid account of growing up with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is riveting, sometimes heartbreaking, and at times laugh-out-loud funny. Adolescents struggling with OCD will find compassion and encouragement here, as well as practical, accurate information about how to get better with the right kind of treatment. An excellent book for teachers, parents, professionals - for anyone who wants to understand this potentially devastating but treatable neurobiological disorder.

Jared Kant courageously tells his own story of life with severe OCD, including his experiences of hospitalization, therapeutic boarding school, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Since Kant has experienced many different symptoms of OCD, just about anyone with the disorder will be able to find much to relate to, while also gaining insight into what others face. With co-author Martin Franklin, he then steps back and offers "the big picture" of how OCD and related conditions affect young people in diverse ways. The latest information on the causes and treatment of OCD are explained in simple language, and there are many resources listed. This is the first OCD book I've read that has also addressed the issues of managing OCD symptoms and getting appropriate accomodations while in school. The author is obviously a seasoned warrior in the long battle against OCD, and a great inspiration.