We are deeply saddened by the loss of Patricia Perkins, one of the International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) founding members. Patricia was a true pioneer in the OCD community. Her unwavering passion, sharing her lived experience, and dedication to building relationships with individuals and families were instrumental in shaping the organization, and continues to positively impact millions of lives.
In the 1980s, while navigating her own challenges with obsessive compulsive disorder, Patricia participated in a clinical trial at Yale University. It was there that Dr. Wayne Goodman approached her with an idea: to create an organization that would support individuals living with OCD and their families. Patricia understood the profound need for such a resource, and her compassion and determination supported the founding of what was then known as the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (OCF).
Patricia’s commitment to helping others was the heartbeat of the foundation. As Board President (1987–1997), and later Executive Director (2000–2008), she worked tirelessly to grow the OCF from a small, grassroots organization into a global community of support, education, and advocacy. Under her leadership, the foundation became a lifeline for individuals and families seeking hope and understanding, making sure that no one had to face OCD alone.
Here’s what members of the IOCDF community shared in remembrance of Patricia:
“Patti’s impact on our community was critical. She envisioned an organization that would give people suffering with OCD support and reliable information, when no such group had ever existed before. We are all in her debt.”
- Chris Pittinger, MD, PhD
“Patti Perkins was a fierce trailblazer whose impact on people with OCD was immeasurable. She championed young professionals who grew to be leading OCD experts, helped raise money to fund groundbreaking research, and launched programs that continue to thrive and change lives all across the world. Above all, Patti was a beacon of hope for those affected by OCD. She leaves an exceptional legacy of compassion and advocacy.”
- Denise Egan Stack, LMHC
“The OCD Community is mourning the loss of a legend with Patricia Perkins' passing. As a founding member of the IOCDF, Patricia's dedication to the cause and visionary leadership laid the foundation for our bright future. As an executive director and board president, she not only shaped our mission but also inspired countless lives with her passion and compassion. We miss her and remain forever grateful for her leadership.”
- Sabine Wilhelm, PhD
“I met Patti in New Haven, CT, back in the 1980’s, first as a patient, and later as a colleague building an advocacy organization for patients with OCD. She was participating in a clinical trial of a new medication for OCD that I was running at Yale. As I have told the story before, I was struggling to field numerous inquiries (in writing and phone calls – no email yet!) and came up with the idea to ask some of my patients about starting an organization to serve as a resource for patients and their families. At the top of my list was Patti. Outside her crippling OCD, she was a high-functioning and capable individual, who happened to be an attorney. Those legal skills – and my sense about her leadership abilities – were perfectly suited to the role of leading the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (OCF), the predecessor to the IOCDF. She quickly tackled all the legal paperwork to form the OCF.
Over the next decade, I observed Patti’s extraordinary leadership skills as the OCF grew. I left for the University of Florida in 1993 and handed over the reins of the Scientific Advisory Board to Michael Jenike as the OCF moved to Boston and the IOCDF was born. Patti continued to apply her passion for helping others with OCD in this new venue and eventually stepped aside to allow others their turn to take charge over an increasingly complex organization.
I have so many fond memories of Patti throughout the years. She was bright, energetic, and quick-witted. And she never let OCD stand in the way of letting her make a difference, sharing her experiences, so others wouldn’t feel alone. Her memory will live on as a tireless advocate for those suffering from OCD.”
- Wayne Goodman, MD
Patricia’s lasting impact is reflected in IOCDF’s Patricia Perkins Service Award, established in 2009 to honor her legacy of empathy and action. While her warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met—whether they were loved ones, clinicians, or individuals struggling with OCD—it’s through this award that her spirit continues to inspire. The award recognizes those who have made significant, long-term contributions to the IOCDF, carrying forward Patricia’s personal mission to ensure that no one faces OCD or related disorders alone.
To honor Patricia’s life and legacy, donations can be made in her memory to the IOCDF to help continue the vital work she began at iocdf.org/donate.
Patricia’s spirit lives on in the hearts of the community she helped build, and we are forever grateful for the difference she made in so many lives.
Leave a Reply