Obsessive compulsive disorder affects between 1 and 3 per cent of the population. Ranging from relatively mild symptoms to being a profoundly disabling disorder, it is a condition that is amenable to modern treatments. This book examines the evidence for and potential role of a range of treatment methods, from CBT to pharmacological approaches. It asks what an individual can do to help themselves, and how friends and relatives can assist in the recovery process. Although firmly based in clinical research, it is written in a jargon-free and accessible style to help provide deep understanding of the disorder. Personal narratives and case studies of people living with OCD feature to illustrate points, and the book considers emerging research and the future of approaches to OCD. Built upon decades of experience, this guide will inform and support adults and young people living with OCD, as well as carers, families and health professionals.

‘… Lynne Drummond and Laura Edwards are to be congratulated for tackling the difficult subject of OCD head on in their well thought out and well written book. I am particularly pleased that they have succeeded in their ambition to produce a piece of work that is accessible to both those living with OCD and their caring and loving supporters. OCD is no joke. At its worst, it is the devil on one’s shoulder, never happier than when malevolently corroding its host’s self-confidence and sense of worth. But Lynne and Laura show that, with the right support and interventions, sunlight - in the form of hope, happiness and fulfilment - can come flooding back to chase away this meanest of shadows.'

Sir Charles Walker