• A full account of the nature, diagnosis and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorders
• Includes Key Point boxes at the start of each chapter to quickly summarise important concepts covered in the text
• Features numerous Case Histories and Patient Perspectives which provide practical, realistic examples throughout
• Expanded and fully revised for the new edition; it includes information on treatment advances and the massive expansion of services in the NHS
• Includes an invaluable Useful Reading section and a guide on learning to relax

New to this edition

• Succinct explanations of recent research in the field of obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Information on treatment advances and the recent expansion of treatment services for anxiety disorders in the NHS

Readership: Patients and their families, psychologists and associated health professionals.

Stanley Rachman, Professor, Psychology Department, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and Padmal de Silva, Former Senior Lecturer in Psychology, at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, University of London and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Trust, London, UK

Review(s) from previous edition

"From reviews of the previous edition:

"The book is intended as an information source for patients who have OCD and their families and friends, but it would also be very useful for workers in health care who need to have an overview of this disorder but are not directly involved in assessment and treatment. It would also be useful for family practitioners as a quick read... an excellent description of obsessions and compulsions with great attention to detail... extremely helpful for a patient and family when first engaging in cognitive behavioural therapy... well written, well organized, and easy to read." - Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

"Clear and accessible language [and] practical advice... Strengths of the book include the frequent use of clinical examples and case material. This feature makes the book a useful primer on the condition for undergraduate and graduate psychology students, quickly giving them the clinical flavour of the condition... a fascinating read for the general public... the book is beautifully written in a concise, simple (yet extremely accurate) style... this is the best short work for the general public, on any psychiatric disorder [and] it will prove invaluable for sufferers of OCD, their families and their clinicians." - Behaviour and Research Therapy

"Very well written, it is easy to read, with no baffling medical jargon." - No Panic Website

"This book is easily accessible to the general public with is easy-to-read style and well structured chapters. Given that the overall tone is one of hope for individuals with OCD, the book offers an invaluable resource to patients, their families and service providers." - The Psychologist

1: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What is it?
2: Relationship to other disorders
3: Obsessive-compulsive patients
4: Effects on family, work and social life
5: Prevalence and related matters
6: Theories and explanations
7: Treatment
8: Assessment and evaluation
9: Obsessive-compulsive disorders in children
10: Some practical advice
Appendices 1-8