The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing: The Experience and Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Rating:
Summary: A good description of the problem and some solutions
Review: This book contains well-written descriptions of obsessive-compulsive disorder -- it's informative, clear, and a pleasure to read. And for those of us who either suffer from these disorders or are close to someone who does, it's an eye-opener: you are NOT the only person who's ever had to deal with this problem, and there IS hope for curing it! For all these reasons, I highly recommend the book.
Two cautions, however:
(1) The book gave a good description of the ways of treating OCD as of the date it was written. Since then, however, there have been many new developments, so, if you're specifically interested in treatments, you'll need to look up some more recent books and articles.
(2) "Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder" (OCPD) is a related but different condition, and it's possible that someone who exhibits similar symptoms but doesn't have full-blown OCD suffers from this instead. (My mother has never gone in for compulsive hand-wash! ! ing, but she's rigid, intolerant, controlling, and a pack rat on a truly monumental scale. That's OCPD.) The treatments for the two conditions differ -- drugs are more helpful for OCD than OCPD, for example. As with any mental condition, it's absolutely necessary to have a thorough professional diagnosis; don't just march into your doctor's office demanding Prozac, or stock up on St. John's Wort at your local herbalist's.

Rating:
Summary: The book that brought OCD awareness into the public
Review: This groundbreaking,informative,and entertaining book may not offer solutions to getting over obsessive compulsive disorder (though you may be able to by using the methods the victims in this book used),but it will Definitely let you know that you're not alone,and that other people have these ludicrous rituals and obsessive thoughts. The book is a bit dated (as other readers have noted,Anafranil is now available in the U.S.),but still an essential reading for every victim with OCD (no matter how severe the symptons). The book only costs $6.99,so even if it doesn't help you (I highly doubt this),it's not like you wasted $20. Other compelling OCD books are Getting Control by Lee Baer,and Brain Lock by Jeffrey Schwartz. As a final note:Good luck OCD victims on your recovery.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, especially reader friendly for those new to OCD
Review: Very easy to read, and puts those who are new to OCD more at ease by letting them know there are millions of OCDers out there by using good writing and even a bit of humor.

Rating:
Summary: This book gave me direction
Review: What an amazing book. I am a Deaf Studies major. I've had to take a few psych courses to fulfill requirements and have always enjoyed them. I've been one track minded since Middle School, knowing that I wanted to major in deaf studies and then move onto obtaining a teaching degree. Then later on obtain an interpreting degree. It wasn't until I read this book that I realized I wanted a future in psych and get into counseling. This book opened many doors for me. I've since taken more classes, looked into my local University. It turns out they have a wonderful psychology department. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to read this book. I've re read it a few times and it has been passed around to several friends and coworkers. I'd write more than 1000 words if I was able. Definitly buy this book!
-holly