|
By James D. Cowart, Ph.D.
Review of: S.T.O.P. OBSESSING! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions by Edna B. Foa, Ph. D., and Reid Wilson, Ph. D.
This book is newly revised and updated and offers important help to those suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions are recurring thoughts, images or impulses that are frightening and seem senseless. Those suffering with OCD typically try to resist having these thoughts, but the more they resist the more often the thoughts occur. Thoughts or images often involve harm to self or others (e.g., "I am contaminated with germs" or "I'm going to harm my parents") or even negative thoughts about God (e.g., "I don't love God"). The person with OCD is typically extremely moral in his or her actual behavior and so is repulsed and terrified of these obsessions. Compulsions are the repetitive behaviors that follow and produce some temporary relief from the fear. Repeated hand washing may follow fear of contamination. Other compulsions may include repeated checking, counting, touching or other rituals. Even though compulsions produce temporary relief they are actually part of the problem. Not all obsessions are followed by compulsions. Sometimes the person with OCD simply tries to avoid triggering the obsession. When OCD patterns are intrusive, time consuming and disruptive, then appropriate treatment should be sought.
The book is quite readable and goes well beyond a description of the nature of OCD. The reader will also be provided with useful, step-by-step instruction in actually facing the obsessive fears and avoiding the compulsive behaviors that are together responsible for the bulldog grip of OCD. The book will be useful to those caught in the endless cycle of checking, cleaning, ordering, repeating and hoarding, as well as thinking rituals. The book will be especially helpful as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy for OCD. Part One of the book provides a clear introduction to the problem and includes stories of individuals who have been affected by OCD. This part also prepares the reader for the change process. Part Two is the "Initial Self-Help Program" and provides helpful tools for weakening obsessions and delaying and then ending compulsions. This section will be helpful to all that suffer from OCD. Part Three is the "Intensive Three-Week Program" and is designed for those suffering with more severe cases of OCD (E.G., where the individual is spending 2 or more hours per day in obsessions and/or compulsions).
This book is the best I could recommend for those who suffer from OCD, or for members of the family of someone with OCD. In its' current form the book is quite accessible and provides information about a complicated subject in a clear and easy to understand manner. I would also recommend the S.T.O.P. OBSESSING Audio-Tape Series, which parallels the information in the book.
Foa, Edna B., and Wilson, Reid, S.T.O.P. OBSESSING! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions, (New York, Bantam Books, 2001, revised edition).
|
|
