Andrew Colley

Silent Rituals of the Mind: Living with OCD Andrew Colley

Description

Silent Rituals of the Mind is about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

In particular it is about the more hidden forms of the condition: mental rituals and tics, rumination, compulsive thought patterns and unwanted thoughts.

It is an account by the author of his life with OCD, and the development and impact of the condition from childhood to adult life.

The book discusses coping strategies including techniques for reducing anxiety, exposure and de-sensitisation, diet, lifestyle and relaxation. It emphasises the importance of accepting yourself as an OCD sufferer before embarking on the journey towards recovery.

The author gives a vivid and at times raw account of severe episodes which have resulted in breakdown and hospitalisation.

Silent Rituals of the Mind also takes a light hearted look at some of the 'advantages' of suffering from OCD and discusses portrayals of the condition in the media, drama and situation comedy.

The book asks the difficult question: does the highly regulated culture in which we live contribute to incidences of OCD?