Getting Control

June 3, 1991
According to Harvard Medical School professor Baer, who is also director of psychological research in the obsession and compulsion disorder clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, at least six million Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). He defines obsessions as intrusive thoughts that force themselves repeatedly into one's mind, while compulsions are acts one feels required to carry out. Many people so afflicted are unaware of it, much less able to find help, Baer argues in his book. He discusses fully the need for professional evaluation and describes the types of treatments provided to patients in his clinic, while pointing out that certain well-known eccentrics (e.g., Howard Hughes) suffered from OCD's aftereffects. Extensive chapters explore behavior therapy, medication (both approved and experimental) and their combined uses. The author also examines a more controversial topic--brain surgery, which is generally considered a last resort. But what makes Baer's valuable work stand out, beyond its breadth of information, is sincerity--and hopefulness.