Among the most prevalent and personally devastating psychological disorders the development of a cognitive approach to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has transformed our understanding and treatment of it. In this highly practical and accessible book, Jonathan Abramowitz presents a model of OCD grounded in the most up-to-date research that incorporates both cognitive and behavioral processes.

He then offers a step-by-step guide to psychological treatment that integrates psychoeducation, cognitive techniques, and behavioral therapy (exposure and response prevention).

Unlike other manuals for the treatment of OCD, this book teaches the reader how to tailor the choice of techniques and delivery modes for individuals presenting with a wide range of specific OCD symptoms, such as contamination fears and cleaning rituals, fears of harm and compulsive checking, symmetry and ordering, and severe obsessions with mental rituals. The techniques are illustrated with numerous case examples; clinical forms and handouts are provided for use with patients. A final chapter suggests strategies for overcoming common obstacles in treatment.

This is a clinicians' guide to the assessment and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It describes the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is evidence-based, in treatment. The brand of CBT detailed here centers around "exposure and response prevention," having to do with controlled exposure to the source of anxiety that leads to a compulsive or obsessive behavior. The book is divided into five chapters. The first, "Description," describes OCD and differentiates it from other problems. Chapter 2, "Theories and Models," reviews pertinent theories. Chapter 3, "Diagnosis and Treatment Indications," is a how-to for assessment of a candidate for treatment. Chapter 4, "Treatment," frames a step-by-step treatment program. Chapter 5, "Case Vignettes," presents four examples of exposures and treatment plans. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Exposure therapy is the most effective psychological treatment for anxiety, yet many clinicians lack confidence in their ability to implement it effectively while keeping clients engaged. This indispensable book provides guidelines for conducting exposure-based interventions and overcoming common roadblocks. Drawing on cutting-edge theory and research, the authors walk clinicians through assessment and treatment planning and demonstrate a wealth of specific exposure exercises. Chapters are organized around common anxiety triggers that may cut across different diagnoses, making it easier to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. Several reproducible handouts and forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2' x 11' size.

Helping patients confront situations or stimuli that produce pathological fear/anxiety is the basis of most therapeutic approaches. Emphasizing evidence-based treatment guidelines across diagnosed anxiety disorders, Abramowitz (psychology and psychiatry, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and coauthors at the University of Wyoming and Mayor Clinic review historical, conceptual, and research perspectives on exposure therapy for anxiety-related problems; triggers with corresponding treatment plans and examples; and ancillary problems clinicians face, e.g., exposure for patients taking medication for anxiety, adaptations for children and other client populations, and ethical concerns. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

For practitioners who treat patients with dysfunctional anxiety over physical signs or symptoms, e.g., being afraid that every freckle is skin cancer, Abramowitz (Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and clinical health psychologist Braddock (Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System) explain the rationale for and application of empirically supported treatment methods (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy). The manual includes clinical pearls, case vignettes, and reproducible assessment forms and handouts. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Oggi, in Italia, circa 800.000 persone soffrono di un disturbo ossessivo-compulsivo (DOC), senza distinzione di età e sesso. Chi ne è colpito subisce un significativo decadimento nella qualità della vita dovuto a una serie di limitazioni nella sfera sociale e lavorativa. Basata su decenni di ricerca scientifica e di pratica clinica, la terapia cognitivo-comportamentale ha aiutato un gran numero di persone affette da DOC a superare sintomi invalidanti e a riconquistare uno stile di vita più soddisfacente.

Despite cognitive behavioral therapy being one of the most widely used and successful therapies, CBT does not work in all cases. Adhering to the dictum that clients do not fail therapies but that therapists or therapies fail clients, McKay (Fordham U.) and fellow psychologists at North American universities introduce 18 perspectives on working with refractory patients. In clinical and research contexts and through case examples, they analyze why the therapeutic relationship may not be going well, the newer generation of approaches for enhancing CBT (e.g., mindfulness- based interventions), treating specific diagnostic populations and clinical problems, and future directions in the field. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)