Getting Control (Revised Edition) (Paperback)

by Lee Baer Ph.D. (Author)
Key Phrases: spent performing compulsions, response prevention practice, superstitious obsessions, Tourette Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, United States (more...)

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.

Product Description
An internationally known expert and Harvard Medical School professor offers an up-to-date guide for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Six million Americans suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and they know firsthand the often devastating effects it has on their lives. Some symptoms, such as the nagging feeling you have left the stovetop burner on, can be mildly distracting. Yet others, like compulsive hand washing, the inability to throw anything out, or nerve-racking feelings of guilt, can be completely paralyzing and make it nearly impossible for sufferers to lead healthy lives. Dr. Baer gives readers the tools to assess their own symptoms, set goals, and create therapeutic programs for themselves. He also helps readers differentiate between OCD and other psychological illnesses such as depression. From the latest treatments to important facts on the medications currently available and how they work, Getting Control is thorough, concise, and positive--a lifesaver for anyone whose well-being is affected by OCD.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Rev Sub edition (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452281776
• ISBN-13: 978-0452281776
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #120,975 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 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)

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!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book that will make your OCD symptoms go away, September 12, 2000

By	chris read (orange, virginia USA) - See all my reviews

After reading this book,I practiced some of the anti-OCD methods described in this book,and was quite successful. Baer pulls no punches in this compelling examination of OCD,it's pain,and the methods used in recovering from it. As with Jeffrey Schwartz's Brain Lock,and Judith Rapoport's The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing,it's filled with other Ocd sufferers' experiences,so you won't feel isolated from the rest of the world. The book isn't that long,so you can be on the road to recovery in a few days.