by Ian Osborn Hardcover, Paperback ISBN:   0756760410

As many as six million Americans may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), making it one of the most common mental diseases. Osborn had a bout with it while in medical training, and he narrates the unfolding understanding of the disease and its treatment informatively and readably. In medieval times, many felt that the disorder had a religious basis. Later, Puritanism imputed it to sinning, and psychoanalysis "proved" that it had deep psychological roots. Osborn shows that OCD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and that behavior therapy and drugs, preferably together, can take care of it for most patients; Osborn personalizes this part of the discussion with case histories of individuals rather than stick-figure textbook abstractions. He also mentions new research, such as that which finds a possible link between OCD and childhood streptococcal infections; brain injury and stress may also play causative roles. He concludes with a long list of OCD support groups and other helpful information.

by Tamar E. Chansky Paperback ISBN: 0-8129-3117

If you’re the parent of a child of obsessive-compulsive disorder, you know how confusing, even frightening, the symptoms of OCD can be. Now you can understand its causes and help your child break free of the disruptive, relentless thoughts, actions, and bizarre symptoms that characterize this disorder. Based on Dr. Tamar E. Chansky’s successful practice, in which hundreds of children and teenagers with the order have been treated, this book explains how OCD is diagnosed, how to find the right therapist, and how to tailor the treatment to your child’s needs. You’ll learn how powerful behavior modification and be, and when medication can help. Fighting back against OCD is hard work, but with the comprehensive, proven and compassionate advice in this book, you can help your child reclaim a life free from its grip.

Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder

by Paul T. Mason, Randi Kreger Paperback ISBN:   1-57224-108-X

by E. Fuller Torrey, Michael B. Knable Hardcover ISBN: 0465086632

From E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., the author of the best-selling Surviving Schizophrenia (more than 250,000 sold), and Michael B. Knable, D.O., the first truly comprehensive, up-to-the-minute guide to manic-depressive illness. Surviving Manic Depression is the most authoritative book on this disorder, which affects more than two million people in the U.S. alone. Based on the latest research, it provides detailed coverage of every aspect of manic depression-from understanding its causes and treatments to choosing doctors and managing relapses-with guidance drawn from the latest scientific information. Drs. Torrey and Knable provide thorough, up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the disease, including a detailed description of symptoms (with many direct descriptions from patients themselves), risk factors, onset and cause, medications (including drugs still in the testing stage), psychotherapy, and rehabilitation, as well as information about how the disease affects children and adolescents. Here too are discussions of special problems related to manic depression, including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, suicide, sex, AIDS, and confidentiality.

by George T. Lynn Paperback ISBN: 1853029211

Up until five years ago, the professional community did not think that bipolar disorder occurred in children. Children with symptoms of bipolar disorder were diagnosed as "severe ADHD", "depressed" or "oppositional defiant". Now, as it is being increasingly diagnosed, George Lynn offers a clear, practical advice on recognizing the symptoms, understanding medication and accessing the necessary support at school as well as the managing the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with bipolar disorder. As it is frequently found in combination with ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome and Asperger’s Syndrome, the author draws on case-studies from his own psychotherapeutic practice to show what these conditions have in common, how they differ, and how they related to each other. This book tackles the most difficult decisions parents can face, including whether to involve police or consider hospitalization if their children are a danger to themselves and their families. At he same time, it emphasizes the positive qualities these children often have and illustrates how their gifts and abilities can build their self-esteem and help them function better in society. However severe the child's symptoms, this book will provide guidance, support and inspiration for parents and caregivers as well as being a useful resource for professionals working with the families who suffer as a result of this disorder.