Compulsive Acts: A Psychiatrist's Tales of Ritual and Obsession

by Elias Aboujaoude

In this compelling book, we meet a man who can't let anyone get within a certain distance of his nose, two kleptomaniacs from very different walks of life, an Internet addict who chooses virtual life over real life, a professor with a dangerous gambling habit, and others with equally debilitating compulsive conditions. Writing with compassion, humor, and a deft literary touch, Elias Aboujaoude, an expert on obsessive compulsive disorder and behavioral addictions, tells stories inspired by memorable patients he has treated, taking us from initial contact through the stages of the doctor-patient relationship. Into these interconnected vignettes Aboujaoude weaves his own personal experiences while presenting up-to-date, accessible medical information. Rich in both meaning and symbolism, Compulsive Acts is a journey of personal growth and hope that illuminates a fascinating yet troubling dimension of human experience as it explores a group of potentially disabling conditions that are too often suffered in silence and isolation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Memoir

191 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cee San Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book...the different patients, the stories and pain, really puts into perspective mental illness and its very real struggle of people who find themselves at the mercy of their stressors.

[Robert Chartrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am usually rather wary when it comes to reading psychological literature. Not because I'm not interested in it, I am, but because it tends to be very dry and difficult to get through. Nonetheless, I picked up this title and decided to tackle it anyway. I must say, it is a very easy read. The author writes as if he is having a conversation with you, and if jargon must be used he is quick to either explain it or put into layman's terms.
The structure of the book is also rather well done. Each chapter is about a different patient who suffers from some sort of OCD. However, it isn't only a chapter about the disorder, it also describes the doctor's sessions with the patients. It goes back and forth between anecdotal snippets of personal interactions and overviews of the disorder with a nice fluidity.
The only aspect that I had the biggest problem with was the author's frequent usage of exclamation points. It wasn't unusual to see them a dozen times per chapter, so it was as if everyone was yelling all the time. It kind of detracted from the mood of what was going on.
All in all, the book was good. It's relatively short and the type of book that one can pick up and put down at his or her leisure. So, if you're interested in psychology of the disorders themselves, you should give this book a try.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Dr. Elias Aboujaoude is a psychiatrists specializing in OCD and its related disorders. Follow the lives and progress of several of his patients including those diagnosed with OCD, trichotillamania, compulsive gambling, kleptomania, and internet addiction (though, he points out that we shouldn't refer to it as such).

Review: While its difficult to enjoy a book on such a topic, I'll certainly admit that this book was fascinating. The human psyche is so interesting, and by presenting both his work and these diseases in such a human light, Aboujaoude has succeeded in both humanizing mental illness and also educating his public on these diseases. Best technique: he juxtaposed the human cases of those diagnosed with obsessive behaviors with the DSM-IV-tr criteria for diagnoses - a very clever and useful trick.

[Sandy D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good memoir by a psychiatrist who deals with compulsions and impulse control. I expected it to be mainly about OCD (my interest, due to some family members who deal with it), but only one essay focused on OCD. The others were on trich, kleptomania, gambling, and problematic internet usage.

Aboujaoude tries to intertwine his patients' stories with that of his office administrator - which works well in some of the chapters, not so well in others. It's an interesting and educational book, but it lacks the emotional punch and depth of some other books on related topics (like "Life in Rewind" by Terry Weible Murphy, which also combines the story of a psychiatrist and a patient).

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. The stories are interesting in themselves, but Aboujaoude's attempts to fictionalize them and use the assistant's storyline for continuity feel incredibly strained. There were a lot of ways this book could've worked--e.g., changing names and minor details rather than getting, um, narratively creative; letting it stand as a short-story collection rather than as an awkwardly loose sequence--but here Aboujaoude's pretty clearly a doctor and not a writer. It's a shame; I think I would've liked this better if it read like a straightforward doctor's account, rather than being made unnaturally "literary."

[Bassamlebnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of Dr. Elias Aboujaoude, "Compulsive Acts: A Psychiatrist's Tales of Ritual and Obsession," was so enjoyable to read. Well, it is not accurate to say that I "enjoy" reading about other humans' problems and miseries. The truth is I enjoyed the style in which the novellas were presented by a psychiatrist who has a talent to tell a story and make it intriguing. I can almost predict that someone would soon take this book and write a movie script based on various characters -- the patients with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and their psychiatrist as the main protagonist.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A compulsive read*

I cannot say it better than Irvin Yalom himself who praised this book as "A wonderful read." The author does an amazing job in weaving highly readable clinical information together with captivating and nearly-impossible-to-put-down stories. (Yes, it does seem quite appropriate that stories on compulsive acts make for such compulsive reading!) What an impressive symphony of rhythmical writing, fascinating vignettes, up-to-date medical information, and compassionate therapy.

[Leslie Zampetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the same genre as Oliver Sacks, Atul Gawande and other doctor-writers, Aboujaoude's stories of compulsive behaviors are entertaining and thought provoking. Not quite the master of medical literature that Sacks is, and perhaps not as focused on the underlying questions as Gawande, Aboujaoude is still worth reading and enjoying.

[Nathanial]

engaging vignettes, a la Oliver Sacks, minus a certain degree of empathy and wonder at the variety inherent in humanity. more of a 'gotcha' attitude. also, the glib dialogues where everyone speaks with the same cadence--that sure doesn't help.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition to the plethora of medical writing for a general audience. Particularly interesting if you suffer from an obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it quite interesting, but it was an odd approach, fictionalizing true stories. Not sure how successful that was, but if you're curious about how compulsions work, this spells it out.

[Trentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and very interesting. Deep exploration of some the more odd and rarely talked about compulsions. Would definitely recommend it!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several stories about a psychologist treating patients. There is no real point or theme to the point but the stories are very interesting and engaging. I had a hard time putting it down

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not only an enjoyable read but was information packed about OCD. It was good.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted more stories, less information re: OCD. Not greatly written.

[Ryan Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

several true(ish) stories about different types of compulsion. the stories themselves are interesting, but the author's style makes me think he's writing a resume, not a book.

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very informative but lacks in writing quality. Dispite the cheesy narrative, the book gave a good insight into the minds and habits of people suffering from compulsive disorders.