"Family members searching for information about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-and about the difficult behaviors that often accompany it and disrupt family life-will welcome this volume. Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for children with disabilities, has two children with OCD and thus has firsthand experience with the disorder.

"In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Waltz debunks the myth that OCD is rare. In fact, it is thought to be the fourth most common psychiatric diagnosis. Research indicates that OCD is a brain disorder rather than a result of rigid toilet training or disturbed parents.

"Waltz explains that OCD usually responds to treatment with medication and cognitive therapy. She is quite upbeat about treatment, although some readers may find her tone too enthusiastic, because locating a cognitive therapist who works with OCD in children in a managed-care and state funded environment can present formidable difficulties.

"The book covers diagnosis, living with OCD, therapeutic interventions, medical and alternative medicine interventions, insurance issues, and school transition problems. It is published in eight countries and thus includes information about Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. While some readers will appreciate this, others may be irritated by the author's all-inclusive scope.

"Waltz has also written another excellent book, Bipolar Disorders: A Guide to Helping Children and Adolescents."