If you have OCD and are reading this, you've probably already come to the conclusion that this these steps won't work. We've tried telling ourselves hundreds of times -- as we've done them -- that our obsessiveness and compulsions are just medical conditions. We've tried to understand how OCD works, and we've tried to distract ourselves. What the author doesn't understand is that you can't just STOP giving into these obsessions and in turn performing a compulsion. It doesn't work that way. It NEVER works that way. In any case, doing what the author instructs will only make it worse. All you'd be doing is what you've been doing all along, and if that hasn't been working, this won't. But don't fret: If you have OCD, and are reading this, there is a way out. Basically, you fight fire with fire. Like any personality disorder or addiction, OCD was something that gradually got worse and worse until it was at the state that it's in. Therefore, you have to gradually act on your obsessions less and less. Telling yourself to only check or clean a few times is pretty easy and only takes a little bit of willpower compared to the seemingly impossible task of not doing it at all, which takes the bravery of a knight in shining armor, gleaming sword and all. And it works, too. It's amazing! I figured this out a couple of days ago and it's working already. I check something a few times, and then just walk away. I can tell my disorder is going away, too, because it's trying to take the form of another form of OCD: fear of hurting other people. But anyone who's had OCD and ocassionaly defeats a compulsion knows that another takes its place and with just a little willpower they can resist it.

In conclusion, buy this book only if you want some inspiration or are doing research on OCD for a class or something. If not, and you just want to plain old get rid of it, just take my advice.

The authors have developed a simple yet ingenious "four step" routine to perform when obsessions or compulsions strike. First, recognize that the thoughts are OCD; second, re-attribute the thoughts to false impulses generated by the brain; third, refocus your behavior on any mildly productive activity; fourth, revalue OCD thoughts as "waste product" of the mind. Each of the four steps is discussed in detail, with just enough scientific background given to educate (without confusing) the listener. The routine sounds simple, but does take a while to master; it helps to listen to the tape two or three times through to reinforce the method.

Dr. Schwartz reads the book with a compassionate tone, and delivers the content in a personal and effective manner. (I also recommend the original book, which expands upon the content presented in the audio book).

OCD is serious business; I wouldn't recommend this tape as an alternative to professional treatment. But as a supplement to therapy, "Brain Lock" is invaluable.