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

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.