Dr. Patrick B. McGrath is the Director of the OCD and Related Anxiety Disorders Program at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In addition to his clinical work, he is also working with neurologists and psychologists

specializing in brain imaging to research how OCD works in the brain. He lives in Aurora, Illinois.

At any one time at least five million people in the United States are experiencing the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a mental disorder defined by recurrent, unwelcome thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that OCD sufferers feel driven to perform.

The OCD Answer Book is an authoritative reference for these adults and their loved ones, providing sound advice and

immediate answers to their most pressing questions.

-What is an obsession?

-What is a compulsion?

-Is it possible to "grow out" of OCD?

-Does OCD run in families?

-What increases my risk for OCD?

-If I check something several times does that mean that I suffer from OCD?

-I heard that OCD and strep throat might be related to each other. Is that true?

Written by an experienced psychologist in an easy-to-read Q&A format, The OCD Answer Book helps readers and their loved ones cope with OCD, conquer their fears, and seek therapy when necessary.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1. What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Chapter 2. Identifying OCD

Chapter 3. Causes of OCD

Chapter 4. Obsessions

Chapter 5. Compulsions

Chapter 6. OCD and Its Relationship with Other Disorders

Chapter 7. Psychological Therapies for OCD

Chapter 8. The "OCD Brain" and Medications

Chapter 9. Living with OCD

Chapter 10. Talking about OCD with Others

Chapter 11. Tips for Getting Help

Appendix A: Obsession Challenge Worksheet

Appendix B: Daily Exposure Homework Sheet

Appendix C: Fear Hierarchy

Appendix D: The Vertical Arrow

About the Author