The Doubting Disease by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi brings to the fore the most current information available today on religion and scruples, scrupulosity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). In this book he helps us clearly appreciate the interior anguish suffered by thousands of people of faith who have this symptomatology and what we can do about it. As well as offering a concise, helpful understanding of the demographics, etiology and treatment of scrupulosity and OCD, in the Doubting Disease he also addresses the questions: *How does scrupulosity develop? *What are the differences between common and uncommon scrupulosity? *What are some classic and contemporary models of religious scrupulosity? *Where does the issue of scrupulosity fit into the history of pastoral care? *What are some practical ways to target scruples and increase motivation for reduction of scrupulosity and compulsivity? *How and when should persons get help for scrupulosity and OCD? Essential for all persons involved in general ministry, pastoral counseling, and the treatment of religious persons suffering from scrupulosity and OCD, I believe this book will also be of great service for anyone interested in the psychology of religion and the theological topics of "conversion," "discernment," and "sin." ---Robert J. Wicks Series Editor +

A member of a sketch comedy group describes growing up with OCD, discussing his pop-culture obsessions, the roles of literature and Christianity in shaping his perspective, and his visit to the OCD Institute in Massachusetts.

When in doubt, make belief. For author and news anchor Jeff Bell, these are words to live by. Literally. As someone who has spent much of his life battling severe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Bell has had to overcome crippling uncertainty few people can imagine. In this powerful follow-up to his critically acclaimed memoir, Rewind, Replay, Repeat, Bell expounds on the principles of applied belief that allowed him to make such a remarkable recovery from this “doubting disease” and the lessons he’s learned while traveling the country talking about doubt. With the help of more than a dozen leading experts, Bell offers readers practical techniques for pushing through the discomfort of uncertainty — whether it stems from OCD or just everyday worries — and demonstrates how a shift from decisions based on fear and doubt to ones based on purpose and service can transform any life. Featuring interviews with Sylvia Boorstein, Patty Duke, Dan Millman, Leon Panetta, Tom Sullivan, and others

I will personally cherish this work, because I believe I will be able to use it to help others manage the ugly ogre of scrupulosity in their lives. If and when they do, they will discover something of that peace 'which surpasses all understanding.' John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New York To those who wonder why he wrote this book, William Van Ornum might echo Pope John XXIII when he was asked why he convened Vatican Council II: 'To make the human sojourn on earth less sad.' This book will surely do that for countless men and women who have suffered not only the special pains of depression and religious scrupulosity but at times from the treatments prescribed for them. This is a very great practical handbook for this specific syndrome but, because of its tone of profound human understanding, it is something more, a book whose gentle and seasoned wisdom will make anybody who reads it feel better and more courageous about facing the challenges of life. Eugene Kennedy, co-author of 'On Becoming a Counselor' God love you, Mr. Van Ornum, for your sincere desire to help people who are troubled in this way. I will pray that your book brings light and peace to many. Mother Teresa, M.C., Calcutta, India

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex set of thoughts and behaviors that can vary greatly from person to person and can be related to and complicated by a wide range of other disorders. Clinicians are confronted with the challenge of accurately classifying its many variants and developing effective, systematic treatments for them. Some believe that OCD and related problems should be treated as subtypes of one condition; others argue that OCD is composed of a spectrum of many similar conditions that should be treated individually. In this handbook, Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Dean McKay, and Steven Taylor present an approach to diagnosis and treatment that considers subtype and spectrum concepts. They examine specific presentations of OCD—the symptoms—that are often seen in practice as well as the many disorders that may fall within the OCD spectrum. For each symptom and putative spectrum condition, they discuss empirical support, theories of etiology, and treatment issues. The volume covers cognitive-behavioral and biological factors, as well as the latest approaches to psychological and pharmacologic therapy, including complicating factors in treatment. In concluding chapters, the authors critically address the current literature on proposed subtype and spectrum disorders, consider the clinical implications of the literature, and map out a comprehensive, integrated approach for understanding OCD and related conditions. The only work on OCD that covers treatment options for specific symptoms and the full spectrum of related disorders, this handbook is a must-have for clinicians who are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with these challenging mental conditions.

The first book to bring OCD to public attention tells the stories of those who are afflicted, often in their own words, and describes the successes doctors and patients have had with both experimental and existing treatments.

The Wiley Handbook of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, 2 volume set, provides a comprehensive reference on the phenomenology, epidemiology, assessment, and treatment of OCD and OCD-related conditions throughout the lifespan and across cultures. Provides the most complete and up-to-date information on the highly diverse spectrum of OCD-related issues experienced by individuals through the lifespan and cross-culturally Covers OCD-related conditions including Tourette’s syndrome, excoriation disorder, trichotillomania, hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and many others OCD and related conditions present formidable challenges for both research and practice, with few studies having moved beyond the most typical contexts and presentations Includes important material on OCD and related conditions in young people and older adults, and across a range of cultures with diverse social and religious norms

Nearly six million Americans suffer from the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can manifest itself in many ways: paralyzing fear of contamination; unmanageable “checking” rituals; excessive concern with order, symmetry, and counting; and others. Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder provides Dr. Jonathan Grayson’s revolutionary and compassionate program for finally breaking the cycle of overwhelming fear and endless rituals, including: Self-assessment tests that guide readers in identifying their specific type of OCD and help track their progress in treatment Case studies from Dr. Grayson’s revolutionary and profoundly successful treatment program Blueprints for programs tailored to particular manifestations of OCD Previously unexplored manifestations of OCD such as obsessive staring, Relationship OCD (R-OCD), obsessive intolerance of environmental sounds and chewing sounds Therapy scripts to help individuals develop their own therapeutic voice, to motivate themselves to succeed New therapies used in conjunction with exposure techniques “Trigger sheets” for identifying and planning for obstacles that arise in treatment Information on building a support group And much more Demystifying the process of OCD assessment and treatment, this indispensable book helps sufferers make sense of their own compulsions through frank, unflinching self-evaluation, and provides not only the knowledge of how to change—but the courage to do it.

Drs. Groopman and Hartzband reveal a clear path for making the right medical choices. Such factors as authority figures, statistics, other patients' stories, technology, and natural healing are key factors that shape choices.

When you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it can feel like your own mind is at war with itself. Instead of having productive and positive thoughts, you rehash the same worries and fears over and over again until they become unbearable. Did you really remember to lock the front door? What if you were to hit someone while driving your car? You may find yourself engaging in exhaustive rituals to keep these thoughts at bay. But soon, the doubts come back with a vengeance. Coping with OCD offers a simple and engaging program that can help anyone with mild to moderate OCD get started on the road to recovery. This book begins with a crash course on what OCD is-and what it is not. You'll learn a proven, three-part program for recovery that uses safe and gradual exposure to distressing thoughts and situations, mindfulness practice, and techniques to restructure thinking. Additional chapters address how families can help, dealing with shame and blame, depression, and maintaining progress. The book also includes a helpful list of resources for further reading and additional support.