by Henry A. Willis, MA Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is understudied among African-American/Black youth and young adults (Williams & Jahn, 2016). Black youth are also grossly underrepresented in treatment centers, clinical trials, and published research focused on OCD (Williams et al., 2012). Research suggests that although OCD is a persistent problem for Black youth relative… Read more »
The Army demanded perfection. Civilian life taught me to ERP.
by CTB I was a recovering perfectionist by the time I drafted into the army. I had chased perfection in high school, but in college I learned to slow down and enjoy the ride. I asked for extensions when I needed them and (gasp!) even submitted an assignment late, taking the penalty on my grade… Read more »
Diversity Advisory Council Research Subcommittee responds to National Institute of Mental Health Request for Information
by Martha J. Falkenstein, PhD, Alberto Collazzoni, PhD, and Matthew Riello, BA In Fall 2020, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) sought a request for information on identifying research priority areas to improve the mental health outcomes of Americans from minority and health disparities populations. The chairs of the IOCDF Diversity Advisory Council (DAC)… Read more »
Be a presenter at the 2021 IOCDF Virtual Event Series
Accepting proposals through Monday, February 1, 2021! As we gear up for the new year, the IOCDF is already beginning to plan for our live and online events in 2021! Though the Annual OCD Conference is our largest event of the year, one which invites the entire OCD and related disorders community to come together to… Read more »
Register for the online OCD Camp for Kids and Families!
Hello friends! Every year at our Annual OCD Conference, I ask to help out in the “littles” room, where we plan a camp environment each year for kids aged 4–10. It’s always an exciting room, because many kids are newly diagnosed. There is always a ton of excitement as the kids meet each other, and… Read more »
Tips for Living with Hoarding during the Holidays
It’s the holiday season, and Christmas is fast approaching. If you struggle with hoarding behaviors then you might find this time of year to not only be exciting, but also quite challenging. Hoarding disorder (HD), recognized since 2013 as its own condition rather than a subtype of OCD, is a problem that afflicts millions of… Read more »
2021 Research Grant Program Call for Proposals
The International OCD Foundation is pleased to announce that we will once again be offering research grants to scientists investigating OCD and related disorders. Over $750,000 in total research funding will be awarded in 2021 through a competitive process. Applications from researchers will be accepted beginning January 4, 2021, with a deadline of March 1,… Read more »
Let’s put an end to “Obsessive Christmas Disorder”
by Thomas Smalley, IOCDF Lead Advocate The holiday season is one for joy, celebration, and good vibes. Unfortunately, walking into a Target department store last year, that joy was ripped away in an instant. On full display was the ugly Christmas sweater section right when I walked in. The one that immediately caught my attention… Read more »
2020 Mom Partnership
Gaps in Maternal OCD Being Addressed Through New Partnership Perinatal OCD is a relatively common maternal mental health condition, impacting up to 5% of those who are pregnant and postpartum; yet symptoms, like intrusive thoughts, often confuse patients and providers alike. To bring this conversation to the forefront, 2020 Mom and the International OCD Foundation… Read more »
Some common misconceptions about BDD treatment — and why you can still get help
By Fanny Alexandra Dietel, PhD, and Ulrike Buhlmann, PhD I have worried about my appearance for several years. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has ruined my jobs, my relationships, my life. Still, it took me such a long time to seek help. This scenario — and the long journey of suffering attached to it — is… Read more »