The Man Who Couldn't Stop
OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought
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4.3 • 15 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Unraveling the Power of Obsessive Thoughts
Dive into the complex world of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with this riveting narrative by acclaimed science writer, David Adam. The Man Who Couldn't Stop offers both a deep personal exploration of Adam's own twenty-year experience with OCD and an in-depth study of this widely misunderstood condition. Exquisitely balancing humor and urgency, this text is an unflinching look at how our neural networks can lead us astray, driving us towards obsession.
The poignant examples provided throughout the book—from a schoolgirl eating a wall of her house piece by piece to a man dying under his household junk—highlight the extremes of OCD to an uninitiated reader. Bridging the gap between science, history, and memoir, this book explores the nature of intrusive thoughts, how they can transform into a blinding blizzard of unwanted perceptions, and the fine line when a harmless preoccupation morphs into compulsion.
Serving as a haunting chronicle of personal torment, The Man Who Couldn't Stop brilliantly illuminates the darkest recesses of the human mind. Whether you’re a professional in the field of mental health, a student of psychology, or simply someone who seeks to understand more about the human condition, this book delivers an unforgettable, potent insight into the world of OCD and its implications.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a wide-reaching discussion that spans the spectrum of obsession, Nature editor David Adam strikes an impressive balance between humor and poignancy, and between entertaining and informing. Adam seamlessly moves between personal stories of his own struggles with OCD and case studies of other people with the disorder. He also demonstrates that OCD isn't limited by cultural boundaries, with the chilling story of an Ethiopian girl who ate an entire mud wall and that of Austrian mathematician Kurt G del, whose fear of poisoning led him to starve himself to death. Adam moves from these full-blown cases to more commonplace obsessions with ease, while his smooth prose ensures an enjoyable read. Not neglecting the darker nature of obsession, Adam manages to end on a note more hopeful than harrowing: the story of how he found happiness and relief from OCD.
