Inside this issue:

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (full story)
by Leo A. Kominek, Ph.D.

(A fictional composite case)
"Vera has struggled with obsessions (persistent and repetitive disturbing thoughts, images, or impulses) and compulsions (the need to perform some ritual or routine to help relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions) for many years, starting in childhood."

Book Review (full review)
A review by James D. Cowart Ph.D.

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).  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."

Imaging as a Tool in Coping with Anxiety, Worry, and Emotional Pain (full story)
by Andrea Lanier, Group Facilitator

"Imaging can be a useful and effective tool to improve one's health and well being, physically and psychologically.  In learning how to live with the symptoms of anxiety, I have found imaging to be one of many valuable tools to influence my mind and my body, and thus to reduce anxiety symptoms and increase my general sense of well being."

News Notes
- The Anxiety Support Group continues to meet on Tuesdays.  If you wish to attend this open group you can call Leo Kominek at (616) 321-7090 to register.

- On April 30, 2002, at 6:15 PM, Andrea Lanier will address the topic of The Dynamics of Victimization.  The presentation will be made during the anxiety self-help support group meeting.  Since some people are ambivalent about whether they are victimized, often engaging in self-blame, this presentation may help participants learn to identify their rights in interpersonal relationships of various types.  Among other things, the focus will be on the characteristics of persons that attract victimization and a discussion about how to deter victimization and how to react to it.

- The Anxiety Treatment Network will sponsor the annual "Anxiety Screening day".  This event will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2002.  It will be held at Trestlewood, Building D, 5100 Lovers Lane in Portage at 6:30 PM. 

- The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) has several pertinent articles about OCD.  These are contained in their January 2002 issue (Volume XIII, No. 1) of the Reporter.  If you wish to view some of these articles on their website go to:
http://www.adaa.org/aboutADAA/OnlineNewsletter.cfm

- Please view our latest additions to the Recommended Treatment Section and the Directory of Related Links on the website.