Unlocking the Secrets of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: A Comprehensive Handbook

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) are pervasive and debilitating conditions that affect countless individuals, yet they often go unrecognized and misdiagnosed. The Handbook on Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, edited by renowned expert Katharine A. Phillips, provides a cutting-edge and exhaustive resource for clinicians and trainees, aligning with the new classification framework established by the DSM-5.

Comprehensive Coverage of OCRDs

The handbook offers in-depth coverage of various OCRDs, including:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
• Hoarding disorder
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)
• Excoriation (skin picking) disorder
• Illness anxiety disorder
• And other related conditions

Each chapter employs a logical and consistent structure, addressing diagnostic criteria and symptomatology, epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiology, comorbidities, course and prognosis, assessment and differential diagnosis, psychosocial impairment and suicidality, as well as cultural and gender-related issues.

Treatment Approaches and Considerations

The handbook delves into treatment approaches and considerations, providing clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of the standard of care for these illnesses.

Key Features of the Handbook

The Handbook on Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders boasts several useful features, including:

• The first book focused on OCRDs to be published since the development of DSM-5
• Edited by the chair of the DSM-5 work group and the chair of the sub-work group that oversaw the development of the OCRD category
• A helpful introductory chapter that thoroughly addresses the changes from DSM-IV
• Chapters on disorders that were seriously considered for, but ultimately not included in, the DSM-5 OCRD chapter
• Case studies and key clinical points in each chapter to facilitate understanding and application
• Recommended readings at the end of each chapter for further exploration

The social and economic costs of undiagnosed and/or untreated OCRDs are staggering. This handbook serves as an indispensable resource for clinicians, empowering them to provide optimal care and support to patients and families affected by these disorders.

With its comprehensive coverage, logical structure, and expert insights, the Handbook on Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders is an essential addition to the literature and every clinician’s bookshelf.