09/30/2026
📚 Brendan's Book Recommendation: The Man Who Couldn’t Stop: OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought by David Adam
This book helped deepen my understanding of how Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is much more than being “quirky,” liking things clean, or wanting things organized.
OCD can be a very real, distressing, and time-consuming disorder that affects not only the person experiencing it, but also the people around them. One of the things I appreciated about this book is its exploration of how someone can recognize that they do not want to act on an intrusive thought or engage in a ritual, and may even recognize that the behavior doesn't make logical sense, while still feeling an incredibly strong internal urge to neutralize the thought or reduce the anxiety.
The book also highlights how OCD doesn't necessarily require an unrealistic fear. A realistic concern, such as acquiring HIV, can become an intense obsession when the person becomes caught in cycles of checking, reassurance-seeking, avoidance, or other compulsions.
Adam also explores potential biological contributors to OCD, including changes in brain functioning, while discussing the complex relationship between OCD, life experiences, and trauma.
📖 Brendan's take: This is somewhat academic, so it may not be the most entertaining read for everyone. However, I think it can be a valuable resource for adolescents and adults who want to better understand OCD and the potential mechanisms behind obsessions and compulsions.
Most importantly, OCD isn't just a personality quirk about being clean, organized, or particular. It can be about getting trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and attempts to find certainty or relief. Understanding that distinction can make a meaningful difference in how we understand and support people experiencing OCD.
