📖 Overview
Fletcher Wortmann is an American author and mental health advocate known for his memoir "Triggered: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder" (2012). His book details his personal experiences living with severe OCD and his journey through treatment at McLean Hospital's residential treatment program.
Wortmann graduated from Swarthmore College, where he first began writing about mental health issues for the college newspaper. His work has appeared in various publications including Psychology Today and The Atlantic, focusing on OCD awareness and reducing stigma around mental illness.
Beyond his writing, Wortmann gives talks at conferences and educational institutions about OCD and anxiety disorders. His perspective as both a patient and author has made him a notable voice in discussions about mental health treatment and the daily realities of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Wortmann's raw honesty in describing OCD experiences in "Triggered." Many reviews highlight his use of humor to discuss difficult topics, making complex mental health concepts accessible.
Readers appreciated:
- Clear explanations of how OCD manifests internally
- Balance of personal story with medical information
- Dark humor that captures the OCD experience
- Practical insights for family members of OCD sufferers
Common criticisms:
- Some found the writing style unfocused
- Several readers wanted more detail about the treatment process
- A few noted excess pop culture references dated the narrative
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings)
One reader noted: "Finally, someone who describes the actual thought processes of OCD, not just the stereotypical hand-washing." Another wrote: "His humor helps make a heavy subject digestible, though sometimes the jokes feel forced."
Most reviews recommend the book for those seeking to understand OCD from a firsthand perspective.
📚 Books by Fletcher Wortmann
Triggered: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (2012)
An autobiographical account detailing Wortmann's personal experiences with severe OCD, his treatment journey, and his time at Swarthmore College while managing the condition.
👥 Similar authors
John Green writes about teenagers dealing with mental health challenges and existential questions. His characters navigate OCD and anxiety similar to Wortmann's experiences.
David Adam focuses on personal accounts of OCD and intrusive thoughts through memoir and research. He combines scientific explanations with first-person narrative like Wortmann does.
Howie Mandel shares his experiences with OCD and mental health stigma through autobiographical writing. His approach to discussing mental illness uses humor as a coping mechanism.
David Sedaris writes personal essays that blend family dynamics with neurotic behavior and obsessive tendencies. He employs self-deprecating humor while examining his compulsions and anxieties.
Jenny Lawson chronicles her struggles with mental illness through memoir and autobiography. She discusses serious topics with dark humor and candidness comparable to Wortmann's style.
David Adam focuses on personal accounts of OCD and intrusive thoughts through memoir and research. He combines scientific explanations with first-person narrative like Wortmann does.
Howie Mandel shares his experiences with OCD and mental health stigma through autobiographical writing. His approach to discussing mental illness uses humor as a coping mechanism.
David Sedaris writes personal essays that blend family dynamics with neurotic behavior and obsessive tendencies. He employs self-deprecating humor while examining his compulsions and anxieties.
Jenny Lawson chronicles her struggles with mental illness through memoir and autobiography. She discusses serious topics with dark humor and candidness comparable to Wortmann's style.