My Top Five Books for Dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

by Mark E. Crawford, Ph.D.
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5 books
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more common than many people realize. For those who suffer from OCD, it can range from being an annoying disorder to one that is debilitating (severity of symptoms varies greatly). OCD also wears many “masks” – in other words, there are many symptoms of OCD that are not “typical” and often cause those suffering from OCD to be misunderstood and/or misdiagnosed. Whether you or someone you love suffers from OCD, it is imperative to understand what OCD is (and is not) and what can be done to help those who suffer from this disorder. Here are five books that I think are very helpful:
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The OCD Workbook

Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Bruce M. Hyman, Cherlene Pedrick, 2010
This workbook is a classic. It gives clear and reliable explanations of OCD and offers practical solutions that are empirically-based. I frequently recommend this book to people who suffer from OCD as a tool to help them understand OCD and to gain an understanding of what has been shown to be clinically helpful in addressing the symptoms of OCD.

Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts

A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts
Sally M. Winston, Martin N. Seif, 2017
This is my favorite book on dealing with intrusive thoughts (the “O” in OCD). Intrusive thoughts are a primary component of OCD, and a proper understanding of what they are and how to cope with them in helpful ways is essential in properly treating OCD. The authors are well-informed, and this book is the best I’ve found in explaining the nature of intrusive thoughts as well as offering practical strategies for dealing with them.

Loving Someone with OCD

Help for You and Your Family
Karen J. Landsman, Kathleen M. Parrish, Cherlene Pedrick, 2005
This is the book I recommend most for family members of someone who has OCD. Our instinct when someone we love has OCD is to help them “feel better;” however, our efforts to do so often are the opposite of what will help them “get better.” I highly recommend this book if you have a loved one who suffers from OCD.

Can Christianity Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment
Ian Osborn, 2008
I included this book because when OCD begins to intersect with our religious beliefs and faith, it can become extremely confusing. Well-meaning religious professionals who do not understand OCD often give very well-intended but unhelpful and/or harmful advice. Dr. Osborn is a nationally recognized expert in the field of OCD and offers a helpful book on explaining how OCD and faith intersect.

The Obsessive-Compulsive Trap

Mark Crawford, 2004
OK – full disclosure – I wrote this one. I included it because I’ve gotten feedback from people around the world who graciously let me know that it was helpful for them in understanding OCD and some of the strategies that are helpful in dealing with the symptoms.