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Treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder
352
BWK
REVIEWS
theory, research, and practice. Further, it discusses current issues in the field and provides suggestions for future research and practice. This useful volume will provide the practitioner dealing with clients whose attitudes towards death need clarification or measurement with the best available instruments. It will also provide researchers a starting point for developing new instruments or evaluating existing methods in the assessment of death anxiety. Center for PsychologicaZ Studies, Nova Southeastern Universiq
John E. Lewis, PH.D.
Steketee, Gail. lhatment
disorder.
of obsessive compulsive
New York:
Guilford Press (1993), 224 pp. Twatment of obsessive compulsive disomk is a comprehensive presentation of the “state of the art” in the behavioral treatment of this vexing yet fascinating psychiatric disorder. While the volume will likely interest clinicians from varying orientations, the author’s real purpose is to guide the clinician through the intricacies of implementing effective behavioral treatment procedures with GCD patients. The book is enriched by Steketee’s consummate experience as a clinician and researcher and the clear and concise manner with which she expresses her well-researched methods and ideas. While “how to” books on behavioral treatment often read like cookbooks that tend to overlook the complexity of the conditions addressed, Seketee’s volume caunot be faulted in this respect. She readily acknowledges, as will anyone experienced in treating GCD, that treatment is rarely a smooth process. However, the book nicely addresses the subtle and not-so-subtIe complications and roadblocks that typically arise in treatment. Among issues discussed are patient resistance, the presence of comordid psychopathology including depression, personality disorders, and marital and family issues. Included are numerous suggestions for deahng with these problems, punctuated throughout by abundant examples of therapist dialog adaptable by the reader to his/her own clinical work. The book is especially strong in the area of assessment and treatment planning. It details the numerous elements that consitute a good assessment including establishing a diagnosis, measuring behavior through the use of standardized questionnaires and instruments, assessing fear and avoidance cues, the psychoeducation of the patient, planning and structuring the actual exposure and response prevention sessions. An area in which the book falls short is the problem of “overvalued ideas” - regarded by Foa (1979) and others as a key predictor of poor response to behavioral methods. Little direction is offered the clinician dealing with these difficult conditions. Unfortunately, few effective treatment options exist, as
BWK
REVIEWS
353
there is woefully little clinical research that adequately addresses this common problem in persons with OCD. Nevertheless, this book is indispensable for any clinician interested in working intensively and effectively with OCD patients. Private Practice, Hollywood, Florida
Bruce M. Hyman, PH.D., L.C.S.W.
BWK
REVIEWS
theory, research, and practice. Further, it discusses current issues in the field and provides suggestions for future research and practice. This useful volume will provide the practitioner dealing with clients whose attitudes towards death need clarification or measurement with the best available instruments. It will also provide researchers a starting point for developing new instruments or evaluating existing methods in the assessment of death anxiety. Center for PsychologicaZ Studies, Nova Southeastern Universiq
John E. Lewis, PH.D.
Steketee, Gail. lhatment
disorder.
of obsessive compulsive
New York:
Guilford Press (1993), 224 pp. Twatment of obsessive compulsive disomk is a comprehensive presentation of the “state of the art” in the behavioral treatment of this vexing yet fascinating psychiatric disorder. While the volume will likely interest clinicians from varying orientations, the author’s real purpose is to guide the clinician through the intricacies of implementing effective behavioral treatment procedures with GCD patients. The book is enriched by Steketee’s consummate experience as a clinician and researcher and the clear and concise manner with which she expresses her well-researched methods and ideas. While “how to” books on behavioral treatment often read like cookbooks that tend to overlook the complexity of the conditions addressed, Seketee’s volume caunot be faulted in this respect. She readily acknowledges, as will anyone experienced in treating GCD, that treatment is rarely a smooth process. However, the book nicely addresses the subtle and not-so-subtIe complications and roadblocks that typically arise in treatment. Among issues discussed are patient resistance, the presence of comordid psychopathology including depression, personality disorders, and marital and family issues. Included are numerous suggestions for deahng with these problems, punctuated throughout by abundant examples of therapist dialog adaptable by the reader to his/her own clinical work. The book is especially strong in the area of assessment and treatment planning. It details the numerous elements that consitute a good assessment including establishing a diagnosis, measuring behavior through the use of standardized questionnaires and instruments, assessing fear and avoidance cues, the psychoeducation of the patient, planning and structuring the actual exposure and response prevention sessions. An area in which the book falls short is the problem of “overvalued ideas” - regarded by Foa (1979) and others as a key predictor of poor response to behavioral methods. Little direction is offered the clinician dealing with these difficult conditions. Unfortunately, few effective treatment options exist, as
BWK
REVIEWS
353
there is woefully little clinical research that adequately addresses this common problem in persons with OCD. Nevertheless, this book is indispensable for any clinician interested in working intensively and effectively with OCD patients. Private Practice, Hollywood, Florida
Bruce M. Hyman, PH.D., L.C.S.W.