Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Demystified: An Essential Guide for Understanding and Living with OCD

by Cheryl Carmin

Overview

A complex illness that is often difficult to identify, OCD affects approximately 6 million to 9 million Americans. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Demystified, clinical psychologist and OCD specialist Cheryl Carmin offers an enlightening and useful guide for anyone with OCD, their families, and friends. In clear and compassionate language, Dr. Carmin helps those who suffer from the illness understand the true nature of OCD, the factors that complicate its diagnosis, and the benefits of treatment through cognitive behavior therapy and/or medication. With insight and anecdotes from an OCD patient-advocate, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Demystified makes great strides in dispelling the mystery surrounding this condition, helping readers decide if it's time to seek treatment and providing those with this anxiety disorder the information they need to better manage their lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781600940644
Publisher:	Hachette Books
Publication date:	06/30/2009
Series:	Demystified (Da Capo Press)
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Cheryl Carmin, PhD, is the director of both the Stress and Anxiety Disorders Clinic and Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she is also a professor. A nationally recognized expert in the research and treatment of anxiety disorders, Dr. Carmin is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and has been named a Beck Scholar, acknowledging her leadership in the field. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Preface xi

Introduction xv

1 OCD: It's No Laughing Matter 1

2 A Closer Look at the Most Common Obsessions and Compulsions 13

3 The Biology of OCD: What You Need to Know 45

4 A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Diagnosis 59

5 If It Isn't OCD: Understanding Related Disorders, Comorbidity, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum 81

6 The Good News About Treatment: What Works Best 107

7 What to Expect from Treatment, Step by Step 123

8 The Role of Medication in Recovery 151

9 Children and OCD 171

10 How to Help When a Loved One Has OCD 195

11 What to Do When Someone You Love Isn't Ready to Begin Treatment 227

12 Resources: Where to Find More Help 241

Glossary 251

Appendix: The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) 261

Acknowledgments 273

Resources 275

Index 281

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal, Xpress Review, 6/12/09
“Carmin’s guide is an excellent introduction to OCD.”

Birmingham News(AL), 8/20/09
“With clarity and detail, Carmin’s book casts a fascinating light on the misunderstood illness.” 

Los Angeles Daily News, 8/7/09
“[A] good starting point for anyone with the disease or friends or loved ones who want to better understand and help.”

MidWest Book Review, 8/1
“In clear, user-friendly language, the book offers crucial information.”

Online Reviews, 12/24/10
“Provides a rich wealth of generally instructive information about OCD.”

From the Publisher