Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals: The Hidden Epidemic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

While on vacation, Raymond incessantly checked the carpets of Disney World looking for poison he had seen spilled there—in his mind.... Sherry was terrified of her thoughts about stabbing her baby daughter.... Jeff couldn't silence a mental voice urging him to have sex with men and animals....

Howard Hughes had it. So did historical figures Martin Luther and Ignatius of Loyola. They all suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—as do over five million Americans who need to know that there is now hope and help. Ian Osborn, M.D., a specialist in OCD and a sufferer himself, has written the first comprehensive book on the experience, diagnosis, and treatment of OCD. He reveals recent discoveries about the disease as a biological disorder—a physical, not a psychological abnormality—and the exciting new therapies that have dramatically changed the future for OCD sufferers.

His wise, compassionate book includes:

Pencil-and-paper tests for self-diagnosis
Six steps to conquering OCD
Medication that works
Early signs that show OCD in children
Guidelines for family members
A comprehensive listing of where to find organizations and support groups—and more