Self-help books on Anxiety & OCD

Introduction

There are so many popular psychology texts in the shops that it can be difficult to know where to begin. This set of book-lists was compiled by staff of the University Counselling Service to respond to those students who have asked us what they might read on this topic.

Our selection is not intended to be the 'final word' - we are sure that there are many other good and helpful books out there; in any case we recognise that what is helpful is very subjective and depends on personal circumstances.

Books are listed in alphabetical order by author. Copies of some of these books are available to borrow on a weekly basis from the University Counselling Service.

Disclaimer

The descriptions given are intended to provide a summary of the contents but should not be taken to imply that the Counselling Service endorses the opinions expressed.

Anxiety & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Date of information: Jan 2006, updated Feb 2010

Overcoming Depersonalization & Feelings of Unreality
Dawn Baker, Elaine Hunter, Emma Lawrence & Anthony David, Robinson, 2007

A CBT self-help book suggesting effective strategies and techniques to help you deal with this distressing problem.

Understanding Panic Attacks and Overcoming Fear
Roger Baker, Lion Publishing, 1995

Dr. Baker deals with the origin of panic attacks and indicates a programme to enable sufferers to conquer them and their associated fears.

Panic Attacks
Sue Breton, Vermilion, 1996

This text suggests to sufferers of panic attacks how they can overcome their fears by recognising situations and symptoms which trigger an attack. It also describes the different types of attacks and how learning about their personality can help a sufferer to overcome them.

An Introduction to Coping with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Lee Brosan, Robinson, 2007

A CBT self-help booklet introducing you to some strategies that you can use to cope with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - The Facts
Padmal de Silva & Stanley Rachman, Oxford University Press, 2004

Contains information about the nature, symptoms, types, causes, treatments and theories of obsessive compulsive disorder. The authors look at the range of theories available and offer advice for those who may need help.

Overcoming Paranoid & Suspicious Thoughts
Daniel Freeman, Jason Freeman & Philippa Garety, Robinson, 2006

A CBT self-help book designed to help you analyse and understand your suspicious thoughts and learn a number of different strategies to help manage and eventually eradicate them.

Overcoming Traumatic Stress
Claudia Herbert & Ann Wetmore, Robinson, 2006

A CBT self-help book demonstrating ways in which you can regain control of your life and overcome traumatic stress.

An Introduction to Coping with Phobias
Brenda Hogan, Robinson, 2007

A CBT self-help booklet introducing you to some strategies that you can use to cope with phobias.

An Introduction to Coping with Anxiety
Brenda Hogan & Lee Brosan, Robinson, 2007

A CBT self-help booklet introducing you to some strategies that you can use to cope with anxiety.

An Introduction to Coping with Health Anxiety
Brenda Hogan & Charles Young, Robinson, 2007

A CBT self-help booklet introducing you to some strategies that you can use to cope with health anxiety.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Susan Jeffers, Vintage/Ebury, 1997

The author claims that fear prevents people from doing what they really want and need to do in order to grow and achieve a sense of well being. This book aims to offer readers an opportunity to consider their patterns of thinking, in order to confront and overcome their fears.

Managing Anxiety
Helen Kennerley, Oxford University Press, 1995

Dr. Kennerley sets out to show how to teach patients self-help psychological skills to control their anxiety, hopefully avoiding the need to resort to treatment with tranquillisers. Contains case studies.

Overcoming Anxiety: Self-Help Course
Helen Kennerley, Robinson, 2006

A three-part CBT self-help programme to help you overcome your anxiety.

Overcoming Anxiety
Helen Kennerley, Constable Robinson, 1997

A guide to overcoming a range of problem fears and anxieties - from panic attacks and phobias to "executive" burnout - with the aim of regaining confidence and self-control.

The Worry Cure
Robert L Leahy, Piatkus Books, 2006

A CBT self-help book offering practical tools to help you to deal with your worry.

Living With Fear
I.M. Marks, McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2001

A step by step format intended for working with and overcoming fear.

Overcoming Worry
Kevin Meares & Mark Freeston, Robinson, 2008

A CBT self-help book that will help you to understand and deal with your tendency to worry.

Staying Sane: How to Make Your Mind Work for You
Dr Raj Persaud, Metro Books, 1998

Aims to bring mental health into focus and help the reader to develop strategies for combating stress and maintaining health and sanity.

Anxiety & Depression - A Practical Guide to Recovery
Robert Priest, Vermilion, 1996

A self-help guide to recovery from depression and anxiety. Covers methods intended to reduce stress and offers explanations for causes and effects of anxiety and depression.

Overcoming Mood Swings
Jan Scott, Robinson, 2001

A CBT self-help book designed to help you identify and effectively manage severe mood swings (such as those found in bipolar affective disorder).

Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia
Derrick Silove and Vijaya Manicavasagar, Robinson, 2006

A CBT self-help book to help you deal with your panic attacks and associated fears and avoidance.

Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia: Self-Help Course
Derrick Silove & Vijaya Manicavasagar, Robinson, 2009

A three-part CBT self-help programme to help you overcome your panic attacks and associated fears and avoidance.

Understanding Obsessions and Compulsions
Frank Tallis, Sheldon Press, 1992

A guide explaining the principles of anxiety reduction and giving treatment suggestions in accessible language. It covers compulsive checking, washing, hoarding, obsessional thoughts and worry, obsessional personality and depression.

Overcoming Body Image Problems including Body Dysmorphic Disorder
David Veale, Rob Willson & Alex Clarke, Robinson, 2009

A CBT self-help book to help you reduce the symptoms associated with your body image problems.

Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
David Veale & Rob Willson, Robinson, 2005

A CBT self-help book describing techniques hat you can use to deal with your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Self Help for your Nerves
Claire Weeks, Harper Collins, 2000

A guide explaining the principles of anxiety reduction and giving treatment suggestions in accessible language.

An Introduction to Coping with Panic
Charles Young, Robinson, 2007

A CBT self-help booklet introducing you to some strategies that you can use to cope with panic.