The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback)

by Bruce M., Ph.D. Hyman (Author), Cherry Pedrick R.N. (Author), Bruce M. Hyman (Author) "The people you will meet in this chapter are representative of the millions of people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD..." (more)
Key Phrases: disruption rating, homeless people congregate, ritual prevention, Self-Directed Program, Exposure List, Symptom Past Current Disruption Rating (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by the presence of recurrent, intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Symptoms include fear of contamination; excessive hand-washing; persistent, exaggerated thoughts of imaginary danger; and compulsive checking and counting rituals. Such symptoms can become so time-consuming and debilitating that they may have devastating consequences.

Research has established that a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy is the optimal treatment for OCD. Bruce Hyman and Cherry Pedrick have created an intensive, self- directed program that teaches a person with OCD how to block or postpone rituals, reduce fears, and change unhealthy thought patterns. Included are self-assessments, ways to enlist the help of family and friends, and approaches to overcoming specific disorders.

From the Publisher
This major revision of a best-selling classic offers the latest information about the neurobiological causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), new developments in medication and other treatment options for the disorder, and a new chapter outlining cutting-edge daily coping strategies for sufferers. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572241691
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241695
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #192,160 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

155 of 156 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great New Tool in the Fight to Overcome OCD, January 14, 2000

By	Janis D. McClure (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews

As I am a person who has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and also a facilitator of a support group for the illness for seven years, I am so pleased to have a wonderful, new resource. THE OCD WORKBOOK:Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Dr. Bruce M. Hyman PhD. and Cherry Pedrick R.N. is the first book written about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that I have ever read that provides information in five key areas consolidated into one text. The five areas include:

1. AN INVALUABLE, DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE ILLNESS. This information includes an extensive definition of the illness and its symptoms. As is found throughout all of the book, the language is in laymen's terms so that all can learn from the information. 2. PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS. These are placed in various parts of the book to help sufferers and their loved ones better relate to the illness. 3. EXPLANATION OF TREATMENT OPTIONS. There is a very exptensive discussion of various treatment options and how they work. Once again, this is written in a language everyone can understand. 4. EXERCISES TO ASSIST IN TREATMENT. This is probably the most important and unique aspect of the book. As the name of the book suggests, this is a WORKBOOK that offers the reader the opportunity to stop and examine his or her personal situation. By actually writing answers to these exercises, a unique insight into how a person can tackle OCD or how a loved one can be helped is offered. Journalizing is often important in treatment and this book helps a person to do this in an orderly and non-intimidating manner. 5.IDEAS ON HOW TO HANDLE RELAPSES. Unfortunatley, those who are successful with treatment may very well have relapses. It is important to know that this is not a "weakness" or a situation in which a person is not "trying hard enough to get better". It is invaluable for those who have OCD to know that they are not alone even in the face of relapses. I do not remember a book that has handled the topic of relapses in such a positive way; not as a failure, but as a fact of life. The book offers many ways to help a sufferer and his or her family through these times.

In addition to these five areas, the book is very well laid out in an easy-to-read fashion. It is, as I said previously, thorough in its discussion of all facets of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and also related disorders.

We are using THE OCD WORKBOOK:Your Guide to Breaking Free From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as a tool in our support group meetings. By exploring the book as a group, together, the members are beginning to be more open, more informed about the illness, better able to have new coping skills and are more "bonded" as a group.

I highly recommend THE OCD WORKBOOK:Your Guide to Breaking Free From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to anyone who has OCD, cares about someone who does, or just wants to learn more about the illness. I thank Dr. Hyman and Ms. Pedrick for bring this workbook to us.

Janis D. McClure, Founder and President The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation of Jacksonville, Inc.

105 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost a Cure..., February 5, 2000

By	David (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) - See all my reviews

While there is no definitive cure for OCD, this book comes as close as can be to coming up with one. By far the best book for OCD in the market today, Dr. Hyman's book gives a concrete guide to breaking free from the terrible mental illness that has for so often kept me and many others from the joy of life and a happy existence.

The notion that only cognitive behavior therapy, and not traditional psychotherapy, can treat OCD has finally reached the mainstream. I attribute a 75% improvement with my OCD (while at the same time decreasing my medication by 75%)from Dr. Hyman's novel approach. His book is truly a blessing and SHOULD BE READ BY ANY INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY MEMBER OF AN INDIVIDUAL fighting this insidious disease.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best OCD book out there, January 15, 2000

By A Customer

Thanks heavens for Dr. Bruce Hyman and Cherry Pedrick! This is by far the best and most comprehensive book on OCD currently available. This book is clearly written in easy-to-understand language. Not only does it provide an excellently organized self-help program, it also gives vital information for the family members of the person struggling with OCD, something that other books only touch on, at best.

For anyone dealing with OCD, whether you have it yourself, or are trying to be understanding and supportive of someone you know, this is a must read!