Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relentless condition, the primary symptom being the occurrence of terrifying ideas, images, and urges that jump into a person's mind and return again and again, despite the individual's attempt to remove them. Christians who suffer from OCD may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture? Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.

A psychiatrist explores how the Christian faith can play an important part in bringing relief to OCD sufferers.

Have obsessions and compulsions paralyzed your life? Does it seem like your battle with obsessive compulsive disorder is leading you in circles with no way out? You can learn from the Israelites in the Old Testament who were fearful to enter the promised land and two men who were different. Joshua and Caleb stood out in the crowd due to the faith they exhibited. Both inherited what God had promised. By having faith, you can walk in their footsteps and inherit your promised land—one in which OCD does not rule your life. Charles Thompson, who suffers from OCD himself, provides tools to boost your faith through prayer, Bible study, spiritual warfare, and devotionals while incorporating established medical methods. The workbook will help you confront OCD by looking at it through God’s eyes. You’ll find that anxiety and pressure can be relieved—and that God has a loving plan for you.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder has been called the "hidden epidemic": only a very few of the many people who have it reveal their condition. Ian Osborn is one of those who suffers from OCD, and his personal experience imbues this book with an exceptional clarity and understanding. Dr. Osborn discusses the various forms OCD takes and--using the most common focuses of obsession--presents detailed and dramatic cases whose objects are filth, harm, lust, and blasphemy. He explains how the disorder is currently diagnosed, and how it differs from addiction, worrying, and preoccupation. He summarizes the recent findings in the areas of brain biology, neuroimaging, and genetics that show OCD to be a distinct chemical disorder of the brain. He contrasts OCD with other "OCD spectrum disorders" such as anorexia nervosa and hairpulling, and he provides a historical overview that traces the development over the centuries of both behavior therapy and medications.

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.

Examine the fourth largest mental health problem in AmericaOCDand how YOU can help! Since obsessive-compulsive disorder affects 2.5% of the world population, someone you know is likely to have this disorder. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Guide for Family, Friends, and Pastors is a handy physician's assistant that not only provides a fresh overview of OCD but also focuses on the issue of scrupulosityobsessive-compulsive anxiety over scruples in self and othersas a religious issue. Written by a pastoral counselor who is also a clinical social worker, this book will help you gain insight into the psychological and neurological dimensions of the disorder, the problems of those suffering from OCD, and the development of support groups. Written with extensive knowledge and deep compassion, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Guide for Family, Friends, and Pastors presents the latest information available on OCD and its effects upon sufferers and their personal relationships. The information is discussed in both pastoral as well as therapeutic aspects, explaining OCD in the brain, then continuing with ways to help a sufferer manage the conflict. Special attention is paid to the issue of scrupulosityseeing sin where there is no sinwhich is especially symptomatic for many Roman Catholics, Orthodox Jews, and Orthodox Muslims. Filled with insightful case studies and a useful bibliography, this book helps you understand OCD from all sides while giving effective strategies for individual and group therapy. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Guide for Family, Friends, and Pastors you will find: answers to the most frequently asked questions detailed explanations of terms insightful information on pastoral caring an in-depth exploration of scrupulosity helpful information on trichotillomania (hair pulling), kleptomania (stealing), Tourette’s syndrome, body dysmorphoric disorder (hatred of a particular body part), and hypochondriasis case studies highlighting personal and relationship issues resources for developing support groups resources for further information on OCD A Guide for Family, Friends, and Pastors is for pastors, pastoral counselors, chaplains, lay ministries, social workers, psychiatric nurses, marriage counselors, and for anyone who cares about someone with OCD.