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Overcoming OCD: A Journey to Recovery
Daniel Singer hadn t eaten in a week. Hunched over with his head in his hands, he d sit in his safe chair for hours, doing nothing but shaking, mumbling and moaning; he was in the throes of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dan went from seven therapists to ten medications to a nine week stay at a world renowned residential treatment program. His parents worried he d never again be able to function in society, or even worse, survive. Overcoming OCD: A Journey to Recovery is a mother s account of the courage and perseverance of a young man who at times was hindered by the very people who were supposed to be helping him. It is a story of hope and the power of family, as well as a useful guide for all those whose lives have been touched by this often misunderstood and misrepresented disorder. Weaving expert commentary and useful information about OCD and its treatment throughout, the authors are able to offer not just a personal account of how the disorder can affect sufferers and families, but also a glimpse into the possibilities for diagnosis, clinical approaches, and successful outcomes. Today, thanks to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, one of the available treatments for OCD, Dan is a college graduate working in his chosen field and living life to the fullest. He is living proof that even those with the most severe cases of OCD can not only recover, but triumph."
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2015
12 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Janet Singer
4 books4 followersJanet Singer is an advocate for OCD awareness, with the goal of spreading the word that OCD, no matter how severe, is treatable. At the age of eighteen, her son Dan suffered from OCD so debilitating he could not even eat. Today, thanks to exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, he is a college graduate working in his chosen field and living life to the fullest. Janet writes regularly for Psych Central as well as Mentalhelp.net, and has been published on many other web sites including Beyond OCD, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and Mad in America. She has also been an invited speaker at OCD conferences. She started her own blog, ocdtalk (www.ocdtalk.wordpress.com) in 2010 and it currently reaches readers in 162 countries. She uses a pseudonym to protect her son’s privacy.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 17, 2016
This is a beautifully written and highly engaging true story of a mother’s determination to find the proper treatment for her son disabled by severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a story of great hope and inspiration for those struggling with OCD or those who have family members struggling with OCD, and it is proof of the importance of family members advocating for proper treatment of the patient’s OCD.
The story of Dan’s agonizing struggle with his OCD can sometimes be difficult to read, but the book is very important for families who are trying to find correct treatment and care for a loved one dealing with OCD. Janet Singer explains how her son received incorrect treatments as well as medications that caused more harm than help along the way, but because of her determination to get the proper treatment for him, Dan eventually went on to overcome his debilitating OCD and graduate from college and is now leading a successful, happy life.
Dr. Seth Gillihan, an expert in proper treatment of OCD through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) provides expert commentary throughout the book, interspersed with Janet’s skillfully written story of her son’s battle with OCD. As Janet tells her son’s story, one can pause and read Dr. Gillihan’s explanations regarding OCD and its treatment along the way.
This is a wonderful book for family members who are trying to help a loved one with OCD. It’s a story full of inspiration and hope, showing that even extremely severe OCD can be overcome with the proper treatments.
The story of Dan’s agonizing struggle with his OCD can sometimes be difficult to read, but the book is very important for families who are trying to find correct treatment and care for a loved one dealing with OCD. Janet Singer explains how her son received incorrect treatments as well as medications that caused more harm than help along the way, but because of her determination to get the proper treatment for him, Dan eventually went on to overcome his debilitating OCD and graduate from college and is now leading a successful, happy life.
Dr. Seth Gillihan, an expert in proper treatment of OCD through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) provides expert commentary throughout the book, interspersed with Janet’s skillfully written story of her son’s battle with OCD. As Janet tells her son’s story, one can pause and read Dr. Gillihan’s explanations regarding OCD and its treatment along the way.
This is a wonderful book for family members who are trying to help a loved one with OCD. It’s a story full of inspiration and hope, showing that even extremely severe OCD can be overcome with the proper treatments.
September 12, 2018
Janet Singer has written a harrowing and at times heartbreaking account of her son Dan’s battle with Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder. The journey to wellness is often frustrating because some of the doctors who treat this poor kid don’t seem to know how to deal with him other than to stuff him with drugs. There is also a well-intentioned treatment center Dan goes to early on that becomes cult-like in its control over him. Very scary stuff. But through perseverance, trial and error, and a lot of therapy, Dan is able to finally beat this devil. Well, beat it in the sense that he it will not be crushed by it like he once was, but will be able to have a full life, with only the occasional outbreak that can be dealt with and dissipated. This is a good book for anyone who is interested in dealing with mental illness or anyone looking for hope and answers the questions one may have about this terrible disease. There are sidebars throughout written by psychology professor Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, that explain OCD and its treatment in great detail.
April 9, 2015
In Overcoming OCD, Janet Singer provides insight into the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), co-occurring illnesses, and the trial-and-error approach to medication. We see the tightrope Ms. Singer walks between advocating for her son and overstepping, and between following doctors’ orders and questioning their methods. She fought for information and enlightenment from the experts, only to find that those experts somtimes had their own agendas and frailties. I recommend this book to anybody supporting a loved one in managing a mental illness. The reader will discover he is not alone, there are resources and help available, and most important, there is hope. Overcoming OCD: A Journey to Recovery was provided to me at no charge in exchange for my review. http://barbararath.com
June 24, 2017
What an inspiring story!
This book tells the story of a young man's brave journey dealing with OCD, from his mother's perspective. It includes anecdotal information from professionals that explain the technical aspects of the disease and treatment. Kudos to this family for their successful battle with this disorder!
This book tells the story of a young man's brave journey dealing with OCD, from his mother's perspective. It includes anecdotal information from professionals that explain the technical aspects of the disease and treatment. Kudos to this family for their successful battle with this disorder!
March 6, 2016
This book was amazing!! I felt the frustration each character went through which made me realize how lucky people are to be healthy.
April 21, 2018
I selected "Overcoming OCD" in hopes of gaining greater insight into a condition that is frequently - but nonetheless, incorrectly - referred to as the "worrying disease." A better title might have been, "The OCD Follies." The format of the book has co-author, Janet Singer, (a self described "advocate for OCD awareness") wistfully recounting the saga of trying to treat her son's disability. Interspersed throughout her story are somewhat relevant contributions from Seth Gillihan, Phd in psychology. To me, the greatest failings of this book are the two important issues that are never addressed. First, why had Dan's condition progressed to such a debilitating state (i.e. refusing to eat, self harm) before there was at least an attempt to seek treatment? Secondly, what were the root causes of Dan's OCD? My assessment? The mother is looking pretty good - especially with her decision to move the entire family close to her son's college - as the primary culprit. Give this brief book a pass as there simply has to be a more insightful book about OCD out there somewhere.
July 1, 2018
A good resource for explaining OCD to those who have never experienced the devastation of watching a family member suffer as well as a glimmer of hope for recovery. However, not much of ERP is described and many of the treatments, medications and hospital stays are sadly out of reach financially for most people. renting a second home in your son's college town? Multiple mental health stays? Even Dr visits three or four times a week are luxuries our health care system doesn't allow.
I appreciate the hope and the recommendation of ERP but the book could've been a podcast.
I appreciate the hope and the recommendation of ERP but the book could've been a podcast.
February 28, 2018
This was a great book for me to read as a mother of a child with ocd. The author does a great job of documenting their journey and it offers hope that one can live a fairly normal life. My only complaint was that the ending was a bit abrupt and left me with questions about what she felt was the real reasons for her son’s recovery (besides weaning him off his medication). I was wanting a little more - and also an update of how he is now!
June 13, 2020
Amazingly candid, honest, and heartfelt. Anyone who really knows OCD will relate to this intrinsically.
September 19, 2022
Amazing!!! especially helpful for someone in the process of discovering more about OCD and realizing they have it.
April 16, 2015
Janet Singer has accomplished more in her book, Overcoming OCD: A Journey to Recovery, than a hundred scientific publications filled with facts, figures, and charts. To live with OCD yourself or in your family, the ordinary human needs lay speak. Janet does that in her book with authenticity, emotion, and compassion.
Janet lives knowing her adult son has OCD and is challenged in many ways to cope and engage in a normal existence. Most frustrating to Janet and her husband, Gary, are the many attempts by professionals at treating Dan's symptoms. Trying one drug after the other, sometimes prescribing one on top of the other. Often there were interactions between drugs which were unbearable for Dan. Despite their conversations with his doctors, Janet and Gary never seemed to be able to get through to the medical community that they really know who Dan is.
In my opinion, Janet has done a tremendous favor for those living with OCD or with a loved one who has OCD. The picture offered is a realistic image of their family's struggles with Dan's illness and treatments. Janet does not spare anything in laying out the facts of their life, their struggles with the medical and psychological communities, their attempts to help Dan.
Standing alongside and contributing to Janet's book is Seth J. Gillihan, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor of psychology in the psychiatry department at the University of Pennsylvania. The beauty of Dr. Gillihan's contributions is found in their placement in the book. As Dan and his family face another crisis, Dr. Gillihan writes information on drugs, treatment plans, and other scientific information in lay terms. This balance between the realistic story and the medical information available provides a perfect resource based in truth for coping with and treating OCD.
Janet Singer has written a poignant and powerful memoir plus a resource to guide others to an understanding of OCD and how to manage it. This book shares encouragement and enlightenment in equal measure, a powerful combination indeed.
My Recommendation:
Overcoming OCD is a story of struggle for Dan and for his parents. Janet and Dan's love for him and their wish to improve his life is palpable. In sharing their story, Janet has gifted to many a measure of hope in coming to terms with OCD and its many crises. Anyone living with loved ones suffering OCD, or who know someone with OCD, or who could give a copy to a local library will help spread Janet's words an unknown number of people may benefit from the Singers' story. Share a ray of hope, a glimmer of better days, and new and innovative treatments.
Janet lives knowing her adult son has OCD and is challenged in many ways to cope and engage in a normal existence. Most frustrating to Janet and her husband, Gary, are the many attempts by professionals at treating Dan's symptoms. Trying one drug after the other, sometimes prescribing one on top of the other. Often there were interactions between drugs which were unbearable for Dan. Despite their conversations with his doctors, Janet and Gary never seemed to be able to get through to the medical community that they really know who Dan is.
In my opinion, Janet has done a tremendous favor for those living with OCD or with a loved one who has OCD. The picture offered is a realistic image of their family's struggles with Dan's illness and treatments. Janet does not spare anything in laying out the facts of their life, their struggles with the medical and psychological communities, their attempts to help Dan.
Standing alongside and contributing to Janet's book is Seth J. Gillihan, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor of psychology in the psychiatry department at the University of Pennsylvania. The beauty of Dr. Gillihan's contributions is found in their placement in the book. As Dan and his family face another crisis, Dr. Gillihan writes information on drugs, treatment plans, and other scientific information in lay terms. This balance between the realistic story and the medical information available provides a perfect resource based in truth for coping with and treating OCD.
Janet Singer has written a poignant and powerful memoir plus a resource to guide others to an understanding of OCD and how to manage it. This book shares encouragement and enlightenment in equal measure, a powerful combination indeed.
My Recommendation:
Overcoming OCD is a story of struggle for Dan and for his parents. Janet and Dan's love for him and their wish to improve his life is palpable. In sharing their story, Janet has gifted to many a measure of hope in coming to terms with OCD and its many crises. Anyone living with loved ones suffering OCD, or who know someone with OCD, or who could give a copy to a local library will help spread Janet's words an unknown number of people may benefit from the Singers' story. Share a ray of hope, a glimmer of better days, and new and innovative treatments.
January 16, 2016
This was a very interesting look at one family's struggle to tame the OCD that controlled their lives. The personal story of struggle is interspersed with informational snippets about the illness. Because it was told from a mother's point of view it was particularly heart gripping.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews