Jeffrey M. Schwartz

Jeffrey M. Schwartz is an American psychiatrist, researcher, and author specializing in neuroplasticity and its applications in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He has authored several influential books, including "Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior," "The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force," and "You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life," co-authored with Rebecca Gladding. His work has been featured in national media, including appearances on "Oprah," "20/20," and the "Today Show," and he served as a consultant for Martin Scorsese's film "The Aviator."

Schwartz's research focuses on self-directed neuroplasticity, demonstrating how cognitive-behavioral therapy can alter brain function, particularly in OCD patients. A graduate of the University of Rochester with an honors degree in philosophy, he integrates Buddhist mindfulness principles with neuroscience, emphasizing the mind's role in shaping brain activity. His academic contributions extend to philosophy of mind, exploring volition in neurobiology, and he has applied his "mind over brain" approach to leadership and organizational behavior, as discussed in "Strategy+Business" magazine.

Beyond his scientific pursuits, Schwartz engages with the philosophies of Søren Kierkegaard and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, while also exploring Christian meditation's impact on mindfulness. His interdisciplinary work bridges psychiatry, neuroscience, and philosophy, offering practical insights into mental health and self-awareness.
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior 1996
2 A Return to Innocence: Philosophical Guidance in an Age of Cynicism (With: Annie Gottlieb) 1998
3 Extinct Humans (With: Ian Tattersall) 2000
4 The Mind and the Brain (With: Sharon Begley) 2001
5 Dear Patrick: Life Is Tough--Here's Some Good Advice (With: Annie Gottlieb) 2003
6 You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life 2011
7 The Wise Advocate: The Innver Voice of Strategic Leadership (With: Jonathan Yen, Art Kleiner) 2019