Charles H. Elliott & Laura L. Smith 
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder For Dummies 

Arguably one of the most complex emotional disorders, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder is surprisingly common. Furthermore, most
people at some time in their lives exhibit a smattering of OCD-like
symptoms.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder For Dummies sorts out the
otherwise curious and confusing world of obsessive compulsive
disorder. Engaging and comprehensive, it explains the causes of OCD
and describes the rainbow of OCD symptoms. The book shows readers
whether OCD symptoms represent normal and trivial concerns (for
example, a neat freak) or something that should be checked out by a
mental health professional (for example, needing to wash hands so
often that they become raw and red). In easy to understand steps,
the authors lay out the latest treatments that have been proven to
work for this disorder, and provide practical and real tools for
living well long-term. Whether you or someone you care about has
this disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder For Dummies
gives you an empathic understanding of this fascinating yet
treatable mental disorder.

Table of Content

Introduction.

Part I: The Ins and Outs of OCD.

Chapter 1: Reviewing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Chapter 2: Scrutinizing OCD.

Chapter 3: Meeting the Relatives and Associates of OCD.

Chapter 4: Blaming the Brain for OCD.

Chapter 5: Developing and Reinforcing OCD.

Part II: Starting Down the Treatment Path.

Chapter 6: Overcoming OCD Obstacles to Change.

Chapter 7: Getting Help for OCD.

Part III: Overcoming OCD.

Chapter 8: Cleaning Up OCD Thinking with a CBT Reality
Check.

Chapter 9: Managing the OCD Mind.

Chapter 10: Tackling OCD Behavior with ERP.

Chapter 11: Considering Medications for OCD.

Chapter 12: Responding to and Recovering from Relapse.

Part IV: Targeting Specific Symptoms of OCD.

Chapter 13: Dealing with Doubting and Checking OCD.

Chapter 14: Subduing OCD-Driven Shame.

Chapter 15: Messing with ‘Just So’ OCD.

Chapter 16: Throwing Out OCD: Hoarding.

Chapter 17: Shrinking Superstitious OCD.

Chapter 18: Uncovering OCD Accomplices.

Chapter 19: Dealing with OCD-Related Impulsive Problems.

Part V: Assisting Others with OCD.

Chapter 20: Determining Whether Your Child Has OCD.

Chapter 21: Helping Your Child Overcome OCD.

Chapter 22: Helping Family and Friends Overcome OCD with
Coaching.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 23: Ten Quick OCD Tricks.

Chapter 24: Ten Steps to Take After You Get Better.

Chapter 25: Ten Dirty Little Secrets about Dirt.

Part VII: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Resources For You.

Appendix B: Forms to Use Against OCD.

About the author

Charles H. Elliott, Ph.D. (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist and a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is also a member of the faculty at Fielding Graduate University. He specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, anger, depression, and personality disorders. He presents nationally and internationally on new developments in the assessment and therapy of emotional disorders.

Laura L. Smith, Ph.D. (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disorders. She is often asked to provide consultations to attorneys, school districts, and governmental agencies. She presents workshops on cognitive therapy and mental health issues to national and international audiences.