Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

by David Veale

Therapists Dr David Veale and Robert Willson provide a step-by-step self-help approach to overcoming the condition, helping individuals to break free from the destructive cycle of obsessive behaviour and regain control of their lives.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychiatry

Paperback

First published February 24, 2005

Reviews

[Mehmet]

9. bölüm pek iyi değil.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very informative about OCD and useful in
understanding my situation and ways to deal with it.

First, "obsessions" are basically things you worry about that cause
you anxiety. For example, that you forgot to lock the door so your
home will be robbed, or that you touch something unclean and will
either become sick yourself or make someone else you come into contact
with ill.

The "compulsion" are things you feel you must do to prevent the
"disaster" you are worried about from occurring. For door locking,
you will check the doors again and again until you are "sure" they
are locked. The emphasis on "sure" as these compulsions are an effort
to achieve certainty that the disaster won't occur. For germs, you
may wash your hands again and again until you feel "certain" they are
clean enough, or perhaps avoid touching things in the first place.

These cause problems as the obsessions are a distraction and cause
stress and anxiety, while the compulsions either prevent you from doing
things you should, cause you to do unnecessary things, or to do things more
times than needed. Both obsessions and compulsions can cause a lot of
wasted time.

People often have something specific in mind for OCD (incessant
washing, organizing, checking) but OCD comes in a variety of types
and strengths.

A key difference between a "regular" person and an OCD behavior is
when one stops a task, say washing one's hands. A regular person stops
washing after a reasonable amount of time and when their hands look
clean. An OCD person stops when it "feels right," when they feel that
it is enough. The problem is, the more one gives into the
compulsions, the less faith they have in it, and the stronger the
obsession gets.

The book recommended not giving into the compulsions in order to
reduce affect of obsessions, that giving in makes the OCD
stronger. One tactic is to only allow a "reasonable response." For
example, if you are not sure you locked the door, it is reasonable to
go and check once, but not more than once. I have found this to be
quite helpful.

An interesting point the book made about checking is that it is not
one's memory that is bad (why can't I remember if I already checked
the door or that I was paying attention), it is that you don't trust
your memory. I find focusing on having faith in my abilities helps.

The book also offers cognitive behavior methods for attacking the
obsessions. If you can reduce the worry and anxiety, it's easier to
ignore the compulsion.

An important aspect of dealing with OCD is the concept of certainty.
The compulsions are an attempt to make sure the obsession can't
happen. Obsessions tend to escalate in an effort to be more and more
sure. The book recommends embracing the concept that certainty is not
possible. If you are checking the door, checking once versus 12 times
really doesn't make a difference. Something could still fail. It's
alright to take reasonable care and go on and live your life.

[Nigel Woollsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book didn’t address anything to do with the “Pure O” form of OCD and was very focussed on the more ‘traditional’ forms of OCD. I’m sure it’s very good if you do suffer from rituals but not great if intrusive thoughts (and mentally trying to resolve/neutralise them) is the focus of your OCD. Try ‘Break free from OCD’ instead.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting in understanding the components of OCD and some of the methods that might be used to treat it. I have had CBT before and will be seeing a therapist to help with treatment, but the book has been very helpful in the interim to know what to expect and to feel as though I’m doing something proactive about the problem. I found it particularly helpful in learning the terminology and being able to label certain behaviours or patterns that can be difficult to see when you’re in the midst of OCD.

[Jay Spackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly difficult to read in some places because of some spelling or sentence errors. It was interesting to read about famous figures in history who had OCD. I would recommend this book both for people with OCD and the people who are close to them because it covers a lot of areas. A good place to start if you're looking for more information on the subject.

[Sam Koiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This book is excellent all round and helped my understanding of the condition which a family member has. Very practical examples on how to beat this horrible condition which can be very destructive if left unchecked.

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repetitive but useful.

I like the tiger joke.

Glad I don't have OCD because it sounds awful!

I've stopped brushing spiders out of my hair every time a tree branch scrapes across my head as I pass underneath. That's also progress, yes?

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟a lot of information I knew before but it has been useful and I will use the tips and Questionnaires and charts inside.

[Prince Faisal II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good bits

[Cansu Demiral · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

[Rachael Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been listening to the latest edition of the book. Honestly I am not sure that the audio book format is suited to a CBT self help guide for me because it has questionnaires about your mental state which are not easy to stop, start and complete in this format, let alone make a full list of obsessions and compulsions while listening on Audible. However, another person may find that the format works for them. I am diagnosed with OCD myself and found the original edition of the book very useful, comforting and informative. The book goes into many of the common obsessions and compulsions that many people with OCD have, and gives advice on various topics such as the reason that OCD obsessions aren't reality and how it carries on, advice on what the best way to treat OCD is, how to maintain healthy habits once you have got better, how to find a therapist, information about medication, and so on. It also contains advice for family and friends.

Overall the book has some quite good advice and is great for someone who has just learned that they have it. I don't think it is suited to an audio book though personally. The 5 star rating is for the book's paperback version.
****

This book probably saved my life tbh. A great background and goes into all the aspects of OCD including intrusive thoughts and obsessions

[❀ Tia ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the book that was recommended to me by my therapist the first time i discussed my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with a professional.

I found it a rather educational and informative book in relation to what OCD is from a medical standpoint as well as the importance of Exposure Response Prevention therapy. It was very useful when creating my own "exposure ladders" and also helped me to somewhat better rationalise my thoughts.

However, I do wish there was more content about "Pure O" as there seemed to only be one small section focusing on this.

[Hillingdon Libraries]

Find this book at Hillingdon Libraries

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MUST for anyone suffering from OCD in any of its forms! Easy to read and simple techniques for overcoming this horrible and debilitating illness.

[Kuljinder Singh · Rating 2 out of 5]

very boring book