This is a recommended list of OCD books and OCD websites that I consider to be essential reading for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In addition to my formal training in OCD treatment, these OCD books and websites have had a profound impact on how I conceptualize and treat OCD.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive but instead includes only those resources that I have read personally and consider to be the “best of the best.” I will update this list periodically as I come across other “must read” books, websites, and resources for people with OCD.
Please note: In order to keep this list streamlined and useful, unfortunately I can’t accept requests for additions to this list. As such, comments have been disabled for this post.
For years, Bruce Hyman and Cherry Pedrick’s OCD Workbook has been my go-to book when individuals ask for reading recommendations about OCD. Dr. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick’s workbook provides quality information about OCD and goes into more detail for certain OCD subtypes. (Hyman, Bruce & Pedrick, Cherry. [2010]. The OCD workbook: Your guide to breaking free from obsessive-compulsive disorder.)
Dr. Jon Abramowitz’s Getting Over OCD is a more recent addition to my recommended reading list for OCD. I’ve followed his research for years, and this book is an excellent addition to his already impressive CV. Dr. Abramowitz’s workbook provides thorough, comprehensive coverage of all things OCD-related. (Abramowitz, Jonathan. [2009]. Getting Over OCD: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life.)
Dr. Steven Hayes’s Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workbook that is not specific to OCD and, as such, it should not be the only book you have in your personal library. However, this workbook emphasizes the core components of ACT (values-centered living, acceptance of your internal experiences) and provides a distinct perspective that can be helpful on the road to recovery. (Hayes, Steven & Smith, Spencer [2005]. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.)
Books About OCD
Freedom From OCD by Jon Grayson
Dr. Jon Grayson’s Freedom from OCD is often the first book I mention when asked for OCD book recommendations. Dr. Grayson’s book has had a tremendous influence on the way I think about OCD. His model for conceptualizing and treating OCD unfolds over the course of the entire book. Thus, if you read this book, I strongly encourage you to read it from cover-to-cover rather than only reading those sections that relate to your specific symptoms. (Grayson, Jonathan. [2003]. Freedom from obsessive compulsive disorder: A personalized recovery program for living with uncertainty.)The OCD Workbook by Bruce Hyman & Cherry Pedrick
For years, Bruce Hyman and Cherry Pedrick’s OCD Workbook has been my go-to book when individuals ask for reading recommendations about OCD. Dr. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick’s workbook provides quality information about OCD and goes into more detail for certain OCD subtypes. (Hyman, Bruce & Pedrick, Cherry. [2010]. The OCD workbook: Your guide to breaking free from obsessive-compulsive disorder.)
Getting Over OCD by Jon Abramowitz
Dr. Jon Abramowitz’s Getting Over OCD is a more recent addition to my recommended reading list for OCD. I’ve followed his research for years, and this book is an excellent addition to his already impressive CV. Dr. Abramowitz’s workbook provides thorough, comprehensive coverage of all things OCD-related. (Abramowitz, Jonathan. [2009]. Getting Over OCD: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life.)
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life by Steven Hayes
Dr. Steven Hayes’s Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workbook that is not specific to OCD and, as such, it should not be the only book you have in your personal library. However, this workbook emphasizes the core components of ACT (values-centered living, acceptance of your internal experiences) and provides a distinct perspective that can be helpful on the road to recovery. (Hayes, Steven & Smith, Spencer [2005]. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.)
