Basic Knowledge: Interaction with people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders

By Susanne Fricke

Subject:
Many manifestations of the disorder are clearly, systematically and compactly depicted, as are ways in which therapy workers can constructively interact with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sufferers.

Target audience:
Recommended for inpatient and ambulant work with OCD sufferers and also to a limited extent for relatives of sufferers.

Content:

People with OCD are often a source of exasperation for their therapists. Not only is patience stretched to the limit during the interaction but the helper is also constantly required to reflect upon his/her own values and social standards and subsequently discuss them with the clients. For example, how often should you wash your hands? Is 30 times a day already obsessive-compulsive?
For this reason the idea persists that OCD is difficult to treat. This Basic Knowledge volume includes not only comprehensive information about OCD but also focuses on the positive aspects of this patient group that is often classified as difficult. The emphasis is on imparting motivation, restraint and encouragement, aspects which are important for practical work with OCD sufferers.

Author:

Susanne Fricke PhD, born 67, is head psychologist in the area of anxiety spectrum disorders at the Eppendorf University Hospital in Hamburg. She is also the author of the successful guidebook for patients “Understanding and overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder, helping with self-help”.

Original title:

"Basiswissen: Umgang mit zwangserkrankten Menschen"

Psychiatrie-Verlag, Bonn, 128 Pages, 14.90 EUR.
First published in 2007

For further information please contact: Ms Kerstin Zander.

The book series “Basic Knowledge” imparts the essential basics of the chosen subject area not only for newcomers but also for experienced therapists and carers working in psychiatry. It is also important to develop a sympathetic attitude towards people with mental disorders. In addition, the books in this series always have the welfare of the people tending the patient in mind to help enhance the satisfaction of their occupation.
The booklets mostly have 144 pages with helpful information on the inside cover. Because of their highly visible recognition factor and the closeness and competence with which they deal with each subject, the series, which now runs to 12 volumes, has achieved the status of a “home library” in German speaking countries.