The Secret Problem: A book for children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children Approximately one or two percent of children and teenagers will suffer from this disorder. It is a hidden problem and those who have it are reluctant to talk about their symptoms; preferring, instead, to suffer in silence. For a child and for the child's family OCD causes major disturbances, educational problems and a lot of misery. Much of this suffering is due to lack of knowledge and delays in getting help. In "The Secret Problem", OCD is explained in clear and simple language. Cartoons are used to help children, teenagers and their parents understand the problem and its treatment. The book identifies OCD as a biological problem and clearly describes how the child and the child's family are not to blame for its onset. Instead it describes how to fight the problem and bring the symptoms under control. It is clearly established that, with modern treatments now available, the outlook for sufferers and their families is much brighter.

About the Author :
The Author Chris Wever is a consultant child psychiatrist who works in private practice in Queensland Australia. He has a special interest in autistic spectrum problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders in children. These difficulties often create great problems in a child's life and upset the wellbeing of the child's family. The trouble they can cause is often underestimated. The books that Chris writes are based on the scientific evidence about each psychiatric issue and well tested clinical treatment programs that he and others have developed. Chris has published detailed treatment guidelines for general practitioners in the national medical magazine, Australian Doctor. Chris has also written chapters for text books on child psychiatry and he frequently speaks at conferences for clinicians and educators. Chris' straightforward and accurate way of talking about childhood mental health problems is an essential part of his effective and humane clinical practice and this approach is evident in his books. The illustrator Neil Phillips is a consultant psychiatrist who works in rural and remote community mental health. He is also an active communicator about mental health, mental illness and relationship issues through regular contributions to the popular Sydney ABC Radio 702 Drive show. Neil has a particular interest in the mental health of Indigenous Australians and has worked in that field for many years. Neil is a cartoonist and throughout his career in medicine he has drawn cartoons to explain health issues in a safe and friendly way. Cartoons help people understand things that are frightening or felt to be shameful. Knowing more about their mental health problem helps people make better informed decisions about their illness and possible treatments. This makes it easier for everyone involved to work together for a better outcome.

Review :
This is a great introduction to a problem troubling lots of children and teenagers. It hits the nail on the head about what it feels like to have secret problems like compulsive rituals and obsessive thoughts, and how relatives of sufferers have a hard time of it too. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is common and treatable, and this book is a splendid way to begin before going on to do behaviour therapy in detail. The good news is that you can overcome OCD largely through your own efforts at practising self-exposure and ritual prevention every day for at least an hour a day. Good luck if you decide to try that and ask your family to read this book too. Isaac Marks Professor of Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry London