Washing My Life Away: Surviving Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Washing My Life Away: Surviving Obsessivecompulsive Disorder Ruth Deane, Jessica Kingsley (2005)

The author of this slim, but thoroughly interesting book charts her life from seemingly happy childhood to living independently, and how a sudden bout of food poisoning was the beginnings of the taking over of her life by obsessive compulsive disorder. She graphically describes the beginnings of the constant washing of her hands, the | checking of things many times over, the fear of eating and preparing food for others because she thought she wasn't clean enough, or the food wasn't fresh enough, and the deteroriation of her physical health caused by this.

She tries hypnotherapy, and at the suggestion of her GP, counselling, before eventually being referred to a behavioural psychotherapist. She eventually admits herself to a psychiatric ward, and undergoes treatment there.

I found this book of great interest having little knowledge of OCD and the effects it can have in its many forms on peoples' I lives. The author tells her story simply, but graphically, and holds the attention throughout. I believe her story would be of interest to health care professionals who may not always have many dealings with OCD and indeed people who suffer from it.

E.A. Edmonds

© 2005 Community Psychiatric Nurses Association Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.