About the Book
The last decade has witnessed a dramatic shift in theory, research, and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Traditional behavioural models of the disorder have increasingly been integrated with cognitive perspectives, leading to better scientific understanding and enhanced treatment approaches. From leading scientist practitioner David A. Clark, this authoritative, highly practical book reviews the breadth of current knowledge on OCD and its treatment, and sets forth a cutting-edge framework for therapeutic work. Provided are readily applicable clinical tools that are theoretically grounded and evidence-based, making this an essential resource for anyone studying or treating this chronic and often debilitating disorder. Initial chapters explore the complexities of OCD, reviewing its diagnosis, course, clinical presentation, and subtypes, and examining how obsessions and compulsions develop and are maintained. Elaborating on and refining existing cognitive and behavioural theories, Clark presents an expanded account of obsessional phenomena which forms the basis of his innovative treatment approach.
The latter portion of the book spells out the nuts and bolts of clinical intervention. Strategies are outlined for cognitive-behavioural assessment and case conceptualization, and available OCD assessment instruments are reviewed. Chapters then offer step-by-step guidelines for conducting an array of carefully planned cognitive and behavioural interventions. Throughout, emphasis is placed on helping clients modify not only their primary appraisals and beliefs about intrusive thoughts, but also their faulty secondary appraisals of mental control. Including a wealth of case examples, sample dialogues, troubleshooting tips, and quick-reference tables and charts, the volume is readable and clinician-friendly. Reproducible appendices feature over a dozen requisite rating scales, client handouts, and homework tasks. Scholarly yet accessible, this state-of-the-science book belongs on the desks of cognitive-behavioural therapists; clinicians of other orientations who may encounter clients with OCD in their practice; and students and residents in the full range of mental health fields.
It will serve as a uniquely informative text for graduate-level courses and clinical training programs.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: The Nature of OCD. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Diagnostic Enigma. Phenomenology of Obsessions and Compulsions. Part 2: Cognitive-Behavioural Theory and Research. Behavioural Perspectives. Neuropsychology and Information Processing in OCD. Cognitive Appraisals Theories of OCD. Thought Suppression and Obsessions. Cognitive Control: A New Model of Obsessions. Part 3: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Cognitive Behavioural Assessment. Getting Started: Basic Elements and Rationale. Cognitive Restructuring and Generating Alternatives. Behavioural Interventions. Modifying Secondary Appraisals of Control. Empirical Status and Future Directions.
About the Author :
David A. Clark, Phd, is a professor in the Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Canada. He Received his doctorate from the Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, England. Dr. Clark has published widely on cognitive theory and therapy of depression and OCD, and is a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.
Review :
"This is an outstanding book. Clark has undertaken the considerable task of reviewing all of the key literature on OCD, from early behavioral research to current cognitive theories and tactics. Coverage of definitions, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and assessment is balanced and up to date. Naturally, the book is particularly strong on the subject of obsessions, as Clark has made a significant research contribution here and is an accepted authority. Well organized and comprehensive, the book is bolstered by many tables and summaries. It may well become a standard reference and is likely to be required reading in clinical graduate programs."--S. Rachman, PhD, University of British Columbia
"This book fills an important gap in the treatment literature. The coverage is detailed and thorough, providing a good balance of theory, research, and step-by-step clinical suggestions. Clark's expertise and experience, both as a scientist and a clinician, are evident in this extremely well-written work. Students learning to apply evidence-based strategies to the treatment of OCD will find this to be an invaluable resource."--Martin M. Antony, PhD, Ryerson University, Toronto
"This very readable and wonderfully detailed volume provides up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the phenomenology of OCD, as well as the theoretical and research basis for understanding this complicated condition. Initial chapters provide a wealth of information on diagnostic distinctions and set the stage for knowledgeably applying the treatment techniques contained in the second half of the book. These strategies are clearly presented with numerous examples and helpful tables, handouts, and therapy forms. Especially useful is the detailed presentation of the subtleties of effective cognitive and behavioral interventions. Overall, this is a truly excellent handbook that should be on the shelves of practicing clinicians, academic instructors, and advanced graduate students interested in the psychopathology and treatment of OCD."--Gail Steketee, PhD, Boston University School of Social Work
"This volume is exciting reading for anyone interested in recent developments in cognitive-behavioral theories and therapies of obsessive-compulsive disorders. David A. Clark has written a cohesive, comprehensive book that is scholarly yet at the same time contains much of value for the clinician. Provided is a much-needed, theoretically and empirically guided CBT treatment manual for obsessional disorders. Highly recommended!"--Paul M.G. Emmelkamp, PhD, University of Amsterdam
'This is an outstanding book. Clark has undertaken the considerable task of reviewing all of the key literature on OCD, from early behavioral research to current cognitive theories and tactics. Coverage of definitions, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and assessment is balanced and up to date. Naturally, the book is particularly strong on the subject of obsessions, as Clark has made a significant research contribution here and is an accepted authority. Well organized and comprehensive, the book is bolstered by many tables and summaries. It may well become a standard reference and is likely to be required reading in clinical graduate programs.' - S. Rachman, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
'This volume is exciting reading for anyone interested in recent developments in cognitive-behavioral theories and therapies of obsessive-compulsive disorders. David A. Clark has written a cohesive, comprehensive book that is scholarly yet at the same time contains much of value for the clinician. Provided is a much-needed, theoretically and empirically guided CBT treatment manual for obsessional disorders. Highly recommended!' - Paul M.G. Emmelkamp, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
'This book fills an important gap in the treatment literature. The coverage is detailed and thorough, providing a good balance of theory, research, and step-by-step clinical suggestions. Clark's expertise and experience, both as a scientist and a clinician, are evident in this extremely well-written work. Students learning to apply evidence-based strategies to the treatment of OCD will find this to be an invaluable resource.' - Martin M. Antony, PhD, Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, and Anxiety Treatment and Research Center, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
