Morbid obsessions with sex or germs or with one's appearance, and uncontrollable compulsions to hoard objects, to check and recheck locks, or to pull one's hair are just a few of the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. Problems such as these afflict over ten million Americans. Many suffer in isolation, not knowing that their disorder has a name, how to seek help, or how to help themselves.

Now Dr. Fred Penzel, a psychologist with over eighteen years experience in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, has written a book to help this group of sufferers, their families, and those who would help them. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Dr. Penzel discusses the entire spectrum of these disorders, from the classic form characterized by intrusive, repetitive, and often unpleasant thoughts, to body dysmorphic disorder ("imagined ugliness"), trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), compulsive skin picking, and nail biting. Dr. Penzel takes the reader through each step of the most effective behavioral therapies, detailing how progress is made and how to avoid relapse. He also offers a completely up-to-date discussion of medication—how medication is used as part of the overall treatment, its effect on pregnancy, how to choose the best medicine, and how to know if it is working. In addition, Dr. Penzel discusses the treatment of children with these disorders, offers helpful advice for the families of sufferers, and lists sources of help and information (including the latest sites on the Internet). The book also includes a useful appendix that features symptom checklists for each of the OC spectrum disorders, the DSM-IV diagnostic descriptions, a reading list, and a glossary.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders is the most complete guide ever written about this family of perplexing problems. Its practical, accurate, and up-to-the-minute information gives those with OC Disorders all they need to know to get well and stay well.

About the Author:
Fred Penzel, Ph.D., has been dedicated to the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders since 1982. He is a frequent contributor to the newsletters of both the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation and the Trichotillomania Learning Center, and is the only psychologist to sit on the Science Advisory Boards of both organizations. He is the Executive Director of Western Suffolk Psychological Services in Huntington, New York.