As soon as I heard about The Man Who Couldn't Stop, I had to read it. A topical subject, a subject taken too light-heartedly, and a subject with so many perspectives that each story will be so very different. David Adam provides an account of his 20-year struggle with OCD, and gives great insight into the various arguments and understandings of the condition - in particular: intrusive thoughts.
David Adam was 19 when his OCD was triggered, and so began his intrusive thoughts of contracting HIV. Adam explains how he obsessed over the fear, which caused him to develop compulsions. These included overworking the HIV hotline with questions to satisfy himself that he didn't have the virus, and retracing his steps for hours to convince himself he had not come into contact with HIV positive blood - all this despite knowing in his mind that his obsessions and compulsions were "irrational".
Adam rightfully explains that OCD suffers do not only suffer from the stereotypical "contamination/handwashing" obsessions/compulsions and that the condition presents itself in infinite ways. He shows and accepts that everybody has intrusive thoughts, but for those suffering from OCD those intrusive thoughts happen all day every day. Adam uses research and fact to separate ritual and quirks, from compulsions and debilitating thoughts.
I enjoyed Adam's use of historical case-studies, and the in-depth research which added substance and interest to the book. It allows the reader to draw their own comparisons and conclusions with what they have read, what they know, and the modern-day case-studies Adam presents. I did, however, find there to be more information on research than there was on Adam's own experience. In saying that, the research enables the reader to better understand Adam's situation and circumstances he lets us in on.
For me, the chapter "A New Dimension" in which Adam writes about apparent links between OCD and other mental illnesses is extremely interesting. His explanation of the history and current status of the DSM-5, its usage, application and relation to OCD and other mental health issues has led me to source other books and the DSM-5 handbook itself.
Adam mixes science, medicine, and case-studies using humour, sadness, and education. The debates and discussions surrounding OCD are ongoing and do not look to plateau any time soon, but Adam will have opened up many eyes and minds to a condition which should stop being a trend to have.
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Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: Picador
Date of publication: 12th February 2015
Pages: 324
My rating: 4Â out of 5