Fourteen-year-old Eric is plagued by thoughts that germs on his hands could be making his family sick. Kelly, age 8, feels distressed if she can't count her pencils in multiples of four. No one wants to get rid of OCD more than they do - that's why Talking Back to OCD puts the power to beat obsessions and compulsions in their hands. This uniquely designed volume is really two books in one. The first portion of each chapter teaches children and adolescents skills they can use to take charge of the illness. Instructions that follow show their parents how to provide encouragement and support. Based on the most effective known treatment for OCD, the book demonstrates ways to "boss back" when OCD butts in, enabling many youngsters and teens to eliminate their symptoms entirely. Early-onset OCD is as common as diabetes; this powerful book will help thousands of young people show this unwelcome visitor to the door.

IntroductionI. Up Close But Not So Personal: A New Look at OCD for Parents (and Kids)1. What Is OCD?2. What Does OCD Look Like?3. What Causes OCD?4. How Is OCD Treated?II. Eight Steps for Getting Rid of Obsessions and Compulsions5. Step 1: What Kind of Treatment Is This, Anyway?Step 1: Instructions for Parents6. Step 2: Talking Back to OCDStep 2: Instructions for Parents7. Step 3: Making a MapStep 3: Instructions for Parents8. Step 4: Finishing My ToolkitStep 4: Instructions for Parents9. Step 5: Beginning to ResistStep 5: Instructions for Parents10. Step 6: I'm in Charge NowStep 6: Instructions for Parents11. Step 7: Eliminating OCD EverywhereStep 7: Instructions for Parents12. Step 8: Keeping OCD Away for GoodStep 8: Instructions for ParentsSummaries of the StepsHow to Find a TherapistResourcesAppendix: Scales, Checklists, and Other Forms