Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well (Hardcover)

by Fred Penzel (Author) "In defining obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs), our language creates problems, because it treats the terms "obsession" and "compulsion" very loosely..." (more)
Key Phrases: perfectionistic compulsions, perfectionistic obsessions, protective compulsions, Different Forms Compulsions Can Take, Getting Proper Medical Treatment, Tourette's Syndrome (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders is the most comprehensive, yet highly readable, book out yet on the group of tormenting disorders that includes OCD, Body Dysmorphic disorder, Trichotillomania, and nail biting. These disorders are dealt with collectively, chapter by chapter, as theory, psychotherapy, medications, childhood cases, family involvement, self-help, and recovery are discussed. The richly detailed material on behavior therapy for the OCDs is worth the price of the book by itself. Dr. Penzel takes the reader into his office for an in-depth, sympathetic discussion about a subject he knows from start to finish. This book will be treasured by professionals and patients alike, all those who want a comprehensive, clinically-oriented resource on OCD and OCD-like disorders. A terrific achievement."--Ian Osborn, M.D.
"Working in the vastly under-recognized and misunderstood arena of the Body-Focused Disorders, such as Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), Skin Picking, Nail Biting and Body Dysmorphic Disorder, I am deeply pleased to see Dr. Penzel's book go to press. It will be a turning point for many, not only the sufferers of these OCD spectrum conditions, but for the therapeutic professionals that struggle to heal them. It's clarity, applicability and compassion are a refreshing approach to disorders that have caused such depths of suffering few can imagine. In my own life, if I had access to this book many years ago, it well could have helped me realize my teenage goals of becoming a doctor, instead of dropping out and hiding from society, desolately trapped within a behavioral prison with bars forged of compulsion." --Christina Pearson, Founder and Executive Director of the Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc.
"Dr. Fred Penzel is a colleague whose work I have appreciated for almost two decades. He is always willing to help patients in need and will go the extra mile, and I often refer patients to him knowing that they will get excellent care. His book represents a comprehensive summary of OCD and related disorders. Topics include modern treatment aspects as well as discussions of biology, genetics, coping with these disorders, recovery and acceptance, family issues, rating scales, and many other pertinent subjects. Since he is a very experienced behavior therapist, this part of the book will be exceedingly helpful to patients and their families. I highly recommend this book to patients and their family members, and professionals who do not have Dr. Penzel's vast experience will find his discussions and recommendations useful as well."--Michael A. Jenike, MD


Product Description
Morbid obsessions with sex, germs, or with one's appearance, and uncontrollable compulsions to hoard objects, to check and recheck locks, or to pull one's hair are just a few of the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, which afflict over ten million Americans. Many suffer in isolation, not knowing that their disorder has a name, how to seek help, or how to help themselves. Dr. Penzel discusses the entire spectrum of these disorders, from the classic form characterized by intrusive, repetitive, and often unpleasant thoughts, to body dysmorphic disorder (""imagined ugliness""), trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), compulsive skin picking, and nail biting. He takes the reader through each step of the most effective behavioral therapies, detailing how progress is made and how to avoid relapse. He also offers a completely up-to-date discussion of medication--how it is used as part of the overall treatment, its effect on pregnancy, how to choose the best medicine, and how to know if it is working. In addition, Dr. Penzel discusses the treatment of children with these disorders, offers helpful advice for the families of sufferers, and lists sources of help and information (including the latest sites on the Internet).

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (October 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195140923
• ISBN-13: 978-0195140927
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,317 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #40 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Reference
  #66 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Compulsive Behavior

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Obsessive Compulsive, October 6, 2000

By A Customer

This is a true masterpiece. Not only is this book readable, interesting, packed with facts and informative, but it is also full of positive talk. I have done much research on this topic and by far this book is the most uplifting. It is non judgemental, full of hope, and leaves the reader with a new understanding of the disorders discussed. This book is excellent for sufferers, family members and professionals. Surely worth reading. If I could recommend one book on this topic this would be it. Thank you, Dr. Penzel. I am sure this will help many people.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book written by an expert, August 22, 2000

By A Customer

Knowing that Dr. Penzel specializes in OCD, I ordered the book immediately and the book was just what I expected: An authoritative, complete study of OCD and its subcategories, its accompaniements (as Dr. Penzel calls them), its possible causes, therapy, and medication. It is a very professional guide for anyone suffering from OCD or their relatives, even for psychologists and psychiatrists who want to learn about the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.

41 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Contribution, February 5, 2001

By	Sherrie M. Vavrichek "vavrichek" (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews

Obsessive compulsive and related disorders are difficult but not impossible to treat. In this comprehensive and highly readable book, Dr. Penzel covers all of the most important aspects of these conditions. As a nationally recognized expert, the author uses his vast knowledge and experience to assist sufferers, relatives, and clinicians as they confront these challeging problems. I highly recommend this book for the knowledge that it imparts as well as for the author's optimism and compassion, which are evident throughout the book.