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

As someone who has been touched by OCD personally, I was very moved by this book and by the author/doctor and his staff. The book presents in a very clear and understandable way the facts and people behind the abnormalities he treats. The people in it were far from cold clinical cases and the doctor is clearly a man of conscience who would be a very good doctor to treat people suffering these problems. OCD sufferers, as the doctor points out, are oddly very aware of how unrealistic their fears are even at the same time as they are unable to do anything about them without help either chemically or behaviorally. Yet they are also able to see the humor at times in their situation and that is well exhibited here. I laughed, as I laugh at myself, reading parts of this book, not in callous disregard of the circumstances but because I could identify with the absurdity while still realizing the cruel twist of fate that places the sufferer in the position he/she is in. I have to say there were times when I almost could not stop laughing. Perhaps because of my personal involvement in it I saw the humor more than most, I don't know but for myself several times I laughed harder than I have in a long time. And I wish to stress, my laughter was not because I didn't sympathize with what was going on but perhaps because I did understand very well the circumstances. Again, sufferers of OCD as the doctor/author points out are well aware of the absurdity of their fears yet unable to change it. That may not make sense to someone untouched by ocd but its very true. I found the humanity and the optimism I felt on reading this were far and away more helpful than the cold clinical details (although some clinical details are given). I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering OCD or who is trying to live with or help someone with OCD. The insight is remarkable and the presentation unique and human.

This was easily one of the most engaging and informative books that I have read in a long time. The stories reflected diverse experiences, but also came together in a very engaging and cohesive manner. Throughout the book, Dr. A's erudition is apparent, as is his humanity. Rather than presenting himself as the "know-it-all" doctor, he exposes his question marks, doubts, and vulnerabilities, alongside his sharp acumen and professional knowledge. An excellent read.

At his book signing, Dr Elias Aboujaoude looked far too young to be writing about his Impulse Control Disorders Clinic. How much could he have learned in such a short practice? Not much, I thought, as I thumbed through his slim volume. But as he answered questions from the audience, I could sense his interest in helping others, his kindness and selflessness in being both Dr A to his patients and a storyteller to his readers. In "Compulsive Acts", Dr A gently recounts five stories of patients afflicted with somatic obsession, hoarding, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), kleptomania, compulsive gambling, and withdrawing into a Second Life type of existence. He doesn't overanalyze these patients, because doctors often can't answer "why me", and it is better to treat the disease. He explains the disorders and his use of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a simplistic way that is easily accessible to the reader. Some of his patients recover spectacularly, but others do not. Each story is touching. Dr A's writing style is a little professorial, and because he had to fictionalize much of the facts in order to maintain patient anonymity, all the dialogue is in his own voice. The book is only 161 pages, plus references and index. I finished it in a plane ride, and my biggest complaint was that I wanted more, much more stories. I will have to hope the good doctor writes Compulsive Acts 2.

I cannot say it better than Irvin Yalom himself who praised this book as "A wonderful read." The author does an amazing job in weaving highly readable clinical information together with captivating and nearly-impossible-to-put-down stories. (Yes, it does seem quite appropriate that stories on compulsive acts make for such compulsive reading!) What an impressive symphony of rhythmical writing, fascinating vignettes, up-to-date medical information, and compassionate therapy.

This book of Dr. Elias Aboujaoude, "Compulsive Acts: A Psychiatrist's Tales of Ritual and Obsession," was so enjoyable to read. Well, it is not accurate to say that I "enjoy" reading about other humans' problems and miseries. The truth is I enjoyed the style in which the novellas were presented by a psychiatrist who has a talent to tell a story and make it intriguing. I can almost predict that someone would soon take this book and write a movie script based on various characters -- the patients with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and their psychiatrist as the main protagonist.