Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe and debilitating anxiety disorder that affects one person in 40. It affects not only how people feel or think, but also how they behave. OCD symptoms—such as compulsive hoarding or handwashing—often evoke uncomfortable emotions in family and friends. This guide discusses: what OCD is and what causes it treatments, including both cognitive and behavioural therapy and medication recovery and relapse prevention family involvement The guide is a thorough and helpful introduction for people with OCD, their family and friends. This guide was fully updated and revised in 2016. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Neil A. Rector, PhD, C.Psych., is a clinical psychologist and director of the mood and anxiety research and treatment program in the department of psychiatry at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. He is also a full professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He is a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (USA). Dr. Rector is also the author of two other CAMH information guides:Anxiety Disorders and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Christina Bartha, MSW, RSW, is the administrative director Child, Youth and Family Program, Addictions Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Ontario. Kate Kitchen, MSW, RSW, currently provides individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy in private practice. Kate worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) from 1997 to 2010. While at CAMH she was a clinical social worker in the Mood and Anxiety Program, as a psychotherapist, and later as an advanced practice clinician. She has co-authored several CAMH Information Guides, including Depression and Anxiety Disorders. Martin Katzman, MD, is the Clinical Director at the START Clinic (Stress, Trauma, Anxiety Rehabilitation and Treatment) for Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as a staff psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health He is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Laurentian University and Lakehead University) and is the Co-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the ADAC/ACTA. |