Compulsive Acts : A Psychiatrist's Tales of Ritual and Obsession

In this compelling book, we meet a man who can't let anyone get within a certain distance of his nose, two kleptomaniacs from very different walks of life, an Internet addict who chooses virtual life over real life, a professor with a dangerous gambling habit, and others with equally debilitating compulsive conditions. Writing with compassion, humor, and a deft literary touch, Elias Aboujaoude, an expert on obsessive compulsive disorder and behavioral addictions, tells stories inspired by memorable patients he has treated, taking us from initial contact through the stages of the doctor-patient relationship. Into these interconnected vignettes Aboujaoude weaves his own personal experiences while presenting up-to-date, accessible medical information. Rich in both meaning and symbolism, Compulsive Acts is a journey of personal growth and hope that illuminates a fascinating yet troubling dimension of human experience as it explores a group of potentially disabling conditions that are too often suffered in silence and isolation. Tells stories inspired by patients the author has treated, taking the readers from initial contact through the stages of the doctor-patient relationship. This book offers a journey of personal growth that illuminates a troubling dimension of human experience as it explores a group of disabling conditions that are often suffered in silence. 0520255674......Page 1 Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 10 Psychiatry by the Dumpster......Page 16 H2O under the Bridge......Page 54 A Greek Tragedy......Page 92 With Any Luck......Page 122 One Eternity Drive......Page 152 References......Page 178 Acknowledgments......Page 184 Index......Page 186 Presents portraits of the behaviors of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder and describes the author's treatment for each patient. Psychiatry by the dumpster H2O under the bridge A Greek tragedy With any luck Eternity drive Onychophagia.