Author Description

Morbid obsessions with sex, germs, or with one's appearance, and uncontrollable compulsions to hoard objects, to check and recheck locks, or to chronically pull one's hair are just a few of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders, which afflict over ten million Americans today. Many suffer in isolation and shame, not knowing that their disorder has a name, how to seek help, or-most importantly-how to help themselves.Dr. Fred 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 skin picking, and nail biting. He takes the reader through each step of the most effective behavioral therapies, detailing how progress is made and how they can avoid relapse. Dr. Penzel also offers readers a completely updated discussion of medication and how it fits within patients' lives-as part of the overall treatment plan, its effects 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 a host of helpful resources and information for those afflicted.