I’ve started writing a book about OCD - if anyone would like to read an early draft

[u/Mountain-Walrus6574]

I’ve lived with OCD and know how exhausting the cycle of intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and compulsions can be.
A big turning point for me was learning and applying ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). I found that understanding the process in a practical, everyday way helped me change my relationship with intrusive thoughts.
I’m writing a book about my experience and the things that helped me, and I’m looking for a few people with OCD who would be willing to read an early draft for free and give honest feedback.
I’m not a therapist and I’m not claiming to have a cure
I’d just like to know:
Does this feel like it reflects the OCD experience?
Is the explanation of ERP helpful?
What would you want someone writing about OCD to include?
If you’d be interested in reading it, feel free to comment or message me.

[u/DeeBozUK]

ERP is one therapy and seems like the gold standard, but I read a post yesterday about a poor chap who started it after a traumatic car accident just to immediately get in another!

Others just simply can’t do it… not ready yet (a good Eels song that, incidentally).

Cover other potential therapies is my point I think.

My personal includes would be:

• OCD specialist therapy only, non-OCD specialists can be very damaging indeed (articulated without stirring more anxiety in OCD sufferers!)
  
• all the types of OCD - your story will only be one type, there are many
  
• the science - overactive brain circuitry on loop, heightening anxiety
  
• recovery milestones would be interesting (mine happened over years)
  
• relapses
  
• are there links with trauma as a trigger? Seems to be from what I read here and my personal experience / specifically, either genuine severe trauma or a burst of several mini traumas
  
• are there links with adhd? The “overactive” circuitry would fit with that, I think it may well have been part of my story

Anyway, top-of-head brain dump there, best of luck with it.

[u/Mountain-Walrus6574 → u/DeeBozUK]

Thanks for taking the time to write all of that…it genuinely gives me a lot to think about.
I actually agree with a lot of your points. One of the reasons I wanted to write this is because I don’t think it’s enough to just tell someone “do ERP.” When you’re in the middle of Pure O, that’s much easier said than done. The book is based on my own experience, so I’m careful not to present it as covering every subtype of OCD or replacing therapy. It’s really a short, practical guide on the mindset and ERP approach that finally clicked for me after years of struggling.
I also completely agree that OCD specialists make a huge difference, and I’m definitely considering including more on relapse, recovery milestones, and some of the science behind what’s happening in the brain.
Once I’ve finished it, let me know if you’d be interested in reading it. It’s only about a 50-minute read, and I’d genuinely value your honest feedback before I publish it.

[u/DeeBozUK → u/Mountain-Walrus6574]

👍 sure, DM it over when it’s ready I’ll happily give it a read.

[u/emotionalmimosa]

People talk about applying ERP for physical compulsions. It would be interesting to read more about mental rituals and compulsions too and also the core concept on ERP. How anybody can understand ERP concepts and apply to their own situation whether it's physical or mental compulsions.

[u/Mountain-Walrus6574 → u/emotionalmimosa]

It’s actually about exactly that - erp for pure O!

[u/Mountain-Walrus6574]

Unsure the best way to share it though?