Synopses & Reviews
Fourteen-year-old Eric is plagued by thoughts that germs on his hands could be making his family sick. Kelly, age 8, feels distressed if she can't count her pencils in multiples of four. No one wants to get rid of OCD more than they do--that's why Talking Back to OCD puts the power to beat obsessions and compulsions in their hands. This uniquely designed volume is really two books in one. The first portion of each chapter teaches children and adolescents skills they can use to take charge of the illness. Instructions that follow show their parents how to provide encouragement and support. Based on the most effective known treatment for OCD, the book demonstrates ways to "boss back" when OCD butts in, enabling many youngsters and teens to eliminate their symptoms entirely. Early-onset OCD is as common as diabetes; this powerful book will help thousands of young people show this unwelcome visitor to the door.
Review
"Gives the best hands-on advice I know on how to help your child conquer this illness. Finally, the right book to give my patients!" --Judith L. Rapoport, MD, author of
The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing"An excellent example of how research findings and first-rate clinical applications can be conveyed in an extremely reader-friendly fashion. The book, which provides sage guidance for both parents and youth, is highly informed and well written. Dr. March has succeeded in providing a valuable resource and clinical tool."--Philip C. Kendall, PhD, Department of Psychology, Temple University
"From an internationally recognized expert on childhood OCD, this book is readable, doable, and based on the most up-to-date treatment research. I highly recommend it to parents and children!"--Henrietta L. Leonard, MD, coauthor of Is It "Just a Phase"?
"Dr. March is a world expert on helping young people recover from OCD. In this much-needed book, he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with parents and children. Full of practical tips and examples for families, the book helps the child take charge while showing parents how to support the recovery process. Dr. March tackles the bewilderment and isolation felt by so many families, highlighting the fact that OCD is nobody's fault and emphasizing that recovery is possible. I am looking forward to using this accessible book with the families I treat."--Isobel Heyman, MBBS, PhD, MRCPsych, Maudsley Hospital, United Kingdom
"Theres good news about recovery from childhood OCD, and its called Talking Back to OCD. Dr. March explains with clarity and compassion what parents deserve to hear: They can make a difference in their childrens lives. A highly respected, innovative clinical researcher, he describes each component of recovery in ways that both parents and children will understand and appreciate."--R. Reid Wilson, PhD, author of Dont Panic and coauthor of Stop Obsessing!
"As a mother of a son with OCD and President of the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, I highly recommend this book for parents and their children with mild to moderate OCD. Dr. March provides detailed steps that can empower a young person to battle obsessive-compulsive disorder. The strong personal vignettes will help parents finally begin to understand the obsessions and compulsions that drive their child or teen to perform exhausting rituals."--Joy Kant
Review
"Readable....encouraging....Worksheets, graphs, and quotes are scattered throughout; an appendix covers how to find a therapist, and additional resources are listed. There are other books on OCD for parents...but this is the only title aimed at both the sufferer and the parents; its emphasis on OCD as an illness motivates the child and parents to isolate OCD from the individual. Highly recommended. (starred review)"--Library Journal Library Journal
Synopsis
No one wants to get rid of obsessive-compulsive disorder more than someone who has it. That's why Talking Back to OCD puts kids and teens in charge. Dr. John March's eight-step program has already helped thousands of young people show the disorder that it doesn't call the shots--they do. This uniquely designed volume is really two books in one. Each chapter begins with a section that helps young readers zero in on specific problems and develop skills they can use to tune out obsessions and resist compulsions. Dr. March demonstrates how to:
*Create a nickname for the illness to remember that OCD isn't you
*Make a symptom chart so you can plan when and where to start talking back
*Break the disorder's rules about the rituals
The pages that follow the instructions for kids and teens show their parents how to be supportive without getting in the way, including tips for:
*Separating the OCD from your son or daughter
*Asking your child's permission to stop helping with rituals
*Offering praise without imposing expectations
After just a few months' practice, your family will get back to spending time on things that matter, instead of following pointless orders from the illness. The next time OCD butts in, you'll be prepared to boss back--and show an unwelcome visitor to the door.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Book of Merit
About the Author
John S. March, MD, is Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center. A widely published author of books for professionals, including OCD in Children and Adolescents, his research defines the state of the art for treatment of young people with OCD and other anxiety and mood disorders. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. March is active in the teaching and training of mental health professionals. Recently, he served as one of the principal investigators of a National Institute of Mental Health-funded project that compared ways to help kids and teens beat OCD. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Christine M. Benton has over 25 years of experience as a writer and editor of books on psychology, self-help, consumer health issues, and other topics. She is coauthor, with Russell A. Barkley, PhD, of Your Defiant Child.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Up Close But Not So Personal: A New Look at OCD for Parents (and Kids)
1. What Is OCD?
2. What Does OCD Look Like?
3. What Causes OCD?
4. How Is OCD Treated?
II. Eight Steps for Getting Rid of Obsessions and Compulsions
5. Step 1: What Kind of Treatment Is This, Anyway?
Step 1: Instructions for Parents
6. Step 2: Talking Back to OCD
Step 2: Instructions for Parents
7. Step 3: Making a Map
Step 3: Instructions for Parents
8. Step 4: Finishing My Toolkit
Step 4: Instructions for Parents
9. Step 5: Beginning to Resist
Step 5: Instructions for Parents
10. Step 6: I'm in Charge Now
Step 6: Instructions for Parents
11. Step 7: Eliminating OCD Everywhere
Step 7: Instructions for Parents
12. Step 8: Keeping OCD Away for Good
Step 8: Instructions for Parents
Summaries of the Steps
How to Find a Therapist
Resources
Appendix: Scales, Checklists, and Other Forms