Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

When I first became aware that I was afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder, I was recommended an excellent self-help book, titled Brain Lock - Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior. In this book, Dr. Schwartz goes through the "Four Step Program", teaching you how to manage OCD.  But what exactly are the "Four Steps"?  Coming from Hope4OCD.com:

QUICK SUMMARY OF THE FOUR STEPS
OF COGNITIVE BIOBEHAVIORAL SELF-TREATMENT FOR OCD

Step 1: RELABEL
Recognize that the intrusive obsessive thoughts and urges are the RESULT OF OCD.

Step 2: REATTRIBUTE
Realize that the intensity and intrusiveness of the thought or urge is CAUSED BY OCD; it is probably related to a biochemical imbalance in the brain.

Step 3: REFOCUS
Work around the OCD thoughts by focusing your attention on something else, at least for a few minutes: DO ANOTHER BEHAVIOR.

Step 4: REVALUE
Do not take the OCD thought at face value. It Is not significant in itself.

Although this may seem like common sense to those of you that do not suffer from OCD, but thinking about these four steps can help change the chemistry in the brain, essentially "curing" OCD. The stories within the book detailing other cases of OCD are extremely helpful, as well. However, the main mistake this book makes is that it oversimplifies the disorder.  The other issue I have with this book is that 90% of the book is simply other people's stories.  Though, if you go into the book realizing this, there is no reason why not to read it.  Even with the shortcomings, there is good advice to be found in this book.

The "Four Steps" are a basic outline for dealing with OCD.  Do you have any reviews about Brain Lock, or any other book recommendations?  Feel free to leave us a comment.

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