An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and live diminished lives in which they are compelled to obsess about something or to repeat a similar task over and over. Traditionally, OCD has been treated with Prozac or similar drugs. The problem with medication, aside from its cost, is that 30 percent of people treated don't respond to it, and when the pills stop, the symptoms invariably return.

In Brain Lock, Jeffrey M. Schwartz presents a simple four-step method for overcoming OCD that is so effective, it's now used in academic treatment centers throughout the world. Proven by brain-imaging tests to actually alter the brain's chemistry, this method doesn't rely on psychopharmaceuticals. Instead, patients use cognitive self-therapy and behavior modification to develop new patterns of response to their obsessions. In essence, they use the mind to fix the brain. Using the real-life stories of actual patients, Brain Lock explains this revolutionary method and provides readers with the inspiration and tools to free themselves from their psychic prisons and regain control of their lives.

It helps the reader understand the brain functions related to OCD and how to deal with it.

I don't want to be misleading and say that this book completely "freed" me from OCD, but with meds and the behavioral therapies described in this book, I am SIGNIFICANTLY better than I was even a mere 6 months ago. What I found most helpful about this book was really the simple steps that it lays out to help slowly ease yourself out of the obsessive thoughts or rituals. It's not an overnight fix by any means, but for those who suffer from the disorder, it's incredibly helpful. My favorite line in the book (which the author's used quite often as a slogan) is "It's not me - it's my OCD!" Immediately by making the realization that the thoughts are due to this disorder called OCD and not based on reality, they begin to diminish. With time, they'll begin to disappear.

As a therapist treating OCD, I use the book with my patient. We both love the simplicity of the writing and the explanations. Great book! The chapter on the family living with a loved one with OCD is excellent as well.

A really clear layman's view of OCD and other neurological issues. I found it very helpful

This book provided my son with the hope and steps he needed to be healed of OCD. We read others, but it was simple enough for this 6th grader to understand with the consistant help of his parents. We practiced each step until there were no more symptoms. Our healthy, bright, social boy was back. It took several months. We were very thankful.